What are you guys planning on doing this school year? I will be attending Central Baptist College, working in the library, sing and play in the choir and band programs, and hanging out with some of my closest friends. What if there was a way to take your school year to the next level? In 1 Peter 4:10 reads “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
Volunteering has done and continues to do some amazing things. In the words of Anne Frank: No one has ever become poor by giving. There are few things that fill the soul like the act of giving. God blessed each and every one of us with the desire to give and serve.
What does volunteerism mean to you? The dictionary definition is to perform a service willingly and without pay. If you have ever volunteered or served anywhere, you know the unexplainedjoy that comes from those actions. Each and everyone one of us is called to give back to our communities and with the craziness of summer winding down and the consistency of school starting up, there will be several opportunities for all of us to do our part.
Everyone has barriers that make volunteering inconvenient. Whether it’s time or an honest lack of desire, those barriers have solutions. God all gave us talents, interests, and abilities that are unique to us. Every one of us is incredibly special and we each have a way we can serve God and our community. My favorite Volunteer connection website is called volunteermatch.org You create a profile, list your skills/interests and location and BAM! You're matched with multiple volunteering events.
If you have seen the Disney movie "UP," then you are probably familiar with its story. In the movie, a young boy named Russell is determined to help an elderly man named Karl. Russell traveled to South America just so he could help this stranger. What would cause someone to go to that extreme to help a stranger? Well, in the movie Russell says that if he can help Karl, then he will earn his Assisting the Elderly Wilderness Explorer badge. Russell had a reason to serve. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 it is written that “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Pleasing God should be our reason to serve. The happy feeling in your heart is just a bonus! The reward that we receive is much greater than a wilderness explorer badge. It is a reward that keeps on giving and will stay with you always. Make the best of this school year and make the time to serve those around you!
