Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 05:44 PM -
Extra ChristyPosted by Administrator
My Pace or Yours?
Like the Volunteer Army, Volunteer Fire Departments quickly let you know that the volunteer option ended right after you volunteered. After you join, you are expected, required, to serve.
Ohio Pastor Mike Slaughter in his book, Change the World writes about being servants instead of volunteers. Years ago a church member told me that being a volunteer meant you work when YOU want to work. Servant means working when and where you are needed. |  Suffield Township Fire Dept. |
When the fire alarm sounds it isn't on your schedule. Folks are counting on you to serve those in need now, not yesterday when it was more convenient or tomorrow when you're more prepared.
Pastor Slaughter sees more volunteers than servants, more members than disciples in congregations today. Folks that are filling an hour instead of fulfilling God's dream.
The difference in motivation for servanthood was described by St. Benedict telling of three stonemasons describing a task they were all doing.
The first said,
"I am sanding a block of marble."
The second said,
"I am preparing a foundation."
The third said,
"I am building a cathedral."
I hope you don't volunteer to sand rocks, but serve in building up God's home for humanity.
Going After the Big Fish
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea-for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." Immediately they left their nets and followed him.- Matthew 4:18-20
The New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

This work by J. Christy Ramsey is licensed under a
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