Christian service is a million miles away from secular volunteering
The volunteer identifies a good cause and reckons they can make a contribution because of their ability. They participate when they have time and give what they can afford. The volunteer expects recognition and perks: they will work hard as long as they want to but are free to stop when they want to. The volunteer certainly makes a contribution … but is it service?
The servant is chosen by the Master and given work to do. Often, they are unqualified for the job and need a lot of training along the way. The ‘bond slave’ of Jesus is committed because of love for his Master and is willing to give everything because of that love.
These servants work when they are needed and give more than they can afford. They expect nothing except the glory of their Master: they keep working even though it may be very hard and know they can only stop when the Master says so. The servant certainly makes a contribution … but it goes much further than the volunteer’s, and all the glory goes to the Master.
Is it time to reshape our thinking about service?
Ow and Wow
Whether it comes from a volunteer mentality or simply one of duty (even religious duty), many people offer their services with a big ‘Ow’. It may be hard and difficult and inconvenient. It feels painful and not only do they feel the ‘Ow’, but it is enough that someone knows that they are ‘Ow-ing’. The ‘Ow’ draws self-righteousness from the inside and sympathy from the outside. For some, this is sufficient reward to keep going ‘for the cause’ … but is that service?
Others will offer when the ‘Wow’ factor is evident. The big event with big names likely to draw a big crowd with big applause. Or the individual contribution which everybody notices. Or a group working together with excitement. All these may operate on the ‘Wow’ factor.
What happens when the ‘Wow’ fades? Often those who have been enthusiastic supporters fade into the background as more important and self-fulfilling opportunities come round the corner. Those motivated by ‘Wow’ seek self-fulfilment … but is that service?
Vow
True servants commit themselves to their Master. They fulfil their vow by every act of obedience. They do not demand recognition now, because they know their Master will fully reward faithful service - and they do not seek applause from people because that would preclude their Master’s reward.
Their initial 'Vow' accepts that service may be hard, difficult and inconvenient, but they do not feel self-righteous about it, nor do they seek human sympathy. They trust that their Master will not load them with more than they can bear - and simply express their need in prayer.
When serving is exciting, they do not rely on adrenalin to replace spiritual devotion, they simply express their joy in praise. All this self-denying, hard working, trusting, praying, and praising comes from their 'Vow' - a decision and commitment to be a servant of Jesus Christ whatever the sacrifice. This is service!