By: Rosie Y.
Does this sound familiar?
“Hey, how’s it going?”
“Oh, I’m crazy busy right now.”
Is anyone ever not busy these days?
I was recently asked by a Christian organization if I would volunteer to serve with them for the next year. This is not the first time they’ve asked me. I’ve been blessed by their ministry for the last 7 years, but every time they’ve asked me to get involved, I’ve said “I don’t have time.”
Finally, I succumbed. Not to their request, but to God’s call. I felt like God was asking me to tithe not just my money, but my time. I had all these reasons for why I just couldn’t do it – until at last God asked me whether I was willing to serve on His terms, not mine. So I did it. I said yes.
When I called them back to tell them the great news, I thought they would welcome me instantly. After all, they asked me. They were definitely excited – and they also asked me to meet them for an interview.
So we had coffee. They asked me how I came to Christ. Where I went to school. What church I attended, if I go regularly, whether I’m actively serving. They asked if I drank alcohol – and reminded me of Jesus’s teaching against drunkenness and debauchery. They asked me to promise to not smoke or do drugs, to be sexually pure, and to live in line with Biblical values.
I quickly realized – just because they asked me, didn’t mean they had to accept me. They had to make an informed choice, just like I did.
- Have you ever given up your free time, your money, or anything important to you – and resented the sacrifice?
I’ll be honest. I’m not proud of it, but I’ve been in both situations. There have been times where I willingly volunteered to do ministry in some way, but instead of doing so humbly, I obsessed about my unselfishness and awesome obedience. If I’d had to fight for the opportunity to serve, would I have appreciated it more?
What if I’m the one being honoured by being asked to serve, instead of honouring others with my service?
That interview was a wake-up call. After the initial shock, I slowly understood why they were asking those questions. They weren’t being judgmental or critical – they were being discerning. We are all sinners, and God loves and accepts each of us as we are. But he also calls us to be different, to be a light for others. He asks us to live and behave in ways the world would think is stupid.
We all are beloved children of God. Our service is worthy of thanks and gratitude.
Our church is also worthy of our service. God is more than worthy. We worship God when we serve.
And being asked – being able – yes, even being interviewed – to serve, is not only a great honour, it is a privilege.
You have the opportunity to serve every day. Will you step into your privilege and accept the honour?