If you know me at all, the title probably caught you off guard. For me there is nothing in this world I would rather do than serve Jesus wherever I am at.  Volunteering is defined as freely offering to do something, while serving is defined as preforming duties or services for something or someone.  For me, that someone is Jesus.  That is why I do not consider myself a volunteer in anything I do, but as a servant of Jesus.  I often get asked three questions about serving.  How/why do I serve so much, and how do I have so much energy and passion when serving.   I also get asked if I am always this happy.  I think for the most part I am,however, my family might see that differently at home sometimes. I am human after all.

I am not sure how to answer these questions other than it is just who I am.  I think that like everything else in life, it is about your perspective on the situation.  In every opportunity to serve, I start by praying that God puts me where He wants me to be, and that I can somehow be used by Him to be a blessing to someone else.  I believe if you go into any opportunity to serve with this attitude, the joy and enthusiasm will come naturally.  After all, you are serving Jesus!

I serve as much as I do because I have such a passion for it!  God works in mysterious ways and I don’t want to ever miss an opportunity of watching Him move in someone’s life!

Serving Jesus is something you do not want to put stipulations on because if you do, chances are you will miss an opportunity to not only bless someone but to be blessed.  I do not serve to be blessed, however every time I am serving I walk away being blessed in ways I never imagined!  I believe it falls in that category of “You cannot out give God”.

Romans 12 talks about the different gifts we all have.  I believe Romans 12:7-8 talks about my gifts “if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach.  If it is to encourage, then give encouragement, if it is giving, then give generously, if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully”.  Romans 12:11 goes on to say, ” NEVER be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

There is no other answer to explain how I became the servant I am today, other than it has been a daily prayer of mine since Jesus rescued me to be His hands and feet.  When I am around people with a like mind, that energy and passion just increases!

The next time you go to volunteer, ask yourself why you are doing it and where your heart is in the matter.  Remember to be open minded and willing to go where needed and try new things.

If you are volunteering at your church, my suggestion is to pray before you go.  Pray that wherever God places you that you will go with a willing, joyful, enthusiastic heart and watch how God works through you.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” Colossians 3:23 NIV

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 NIV