Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God activates each gift in each person.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (HCSB)
Series: Perfected in Unity
What’s your passion? Is there something you enjoy so much that you have stepped out to serve in that area? Maybe it’s helping at church in whatever capacity or reading with the students at the public school; volunteering at the food pantry or gardening in the corner green space in town; leading music at the assisted living facility or helping at the local animal shelter. There are so many opportunities to volunteer our time and talents!
Typically, our desires, our preferences, and our gifts lead us to these places of serving. We see a need, we have the ability, and so we commit to help—just for the sake of helping—to be a blessing to others—to be a part of the solution. The rewards we gain from assisting others and supporting a cause outside of ourselves are exponential. But these opportunities don’t come without challenges
One of the hurdles in any group of volunteers is maintaining unity among the members. It’s true: the desire to help and the passion for the area of serving are absolutely unifying factors for any organization’s crew. The vision of the group is what brought the people together in the first place. But when the various gifts, abilities, preferences, and personalities join the mix, the probability of contention enters the atmosphere.
Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, encouraged the people in this way:
Think about what we have in Christ: the encouragement He has brought us, the comfort of His love, our sharing in His Spirit, and the mercy and kindness He has shown us. If you enjoy these blessings, then do what will make my joy complete: Agree with each other, and show your love for each other. Be united in your goals and in the way you think. In whatever you do, don’t let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble, and honor others more than yourselves. Don’t be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too. (Philippians 2:1-4 ERV)
When we enter into any group setting, we must remember all God has done for us through Christ Jesus, and bring that into every expression of our service. Self-sufficiency, self-promotion, selfishness, and self-righteousness have no place in positions of volunteering. (Honestly, they have no place in any part of our lives.) Instead, unity in goals, agreement in thoughts, humility in actions, honor in relationships, and care for others take priority.
In Acts, we learn of the early church and how they functioned. They devoted themselves to each other for the good of their community. They committed to help and to serve one another as they served God together. In Acts 4:32 (HCSB) we learn:
Now the large group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one said that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common.
Now, I’m not suggesting we hold everything in common with those we volunteer with. However, when we unite with one heart and one mind with each other, sharing the burdens of not just those we serve, but also those we serve alongside, we experience the goodness and beauty of God in our groups.
Many personalities in a room can create many challenges… Or, as we employ our gifts to bless a cause, esteem others more than ourselves, and commit to humbly serve together, the blessings of God abound for all involved. Just as Paul shared with the Philippians in the scripture above, unity among us brings comfort as we share love, mercy, and kindness.
May we recognize that every gift from God is good. May we esteem the gifts of others in our volunteer groups. May we pursue the passions God has planted in our hearts as we share our gifts. And, may our joy become full as we serve together in unity!
Holding Fast to Hope,
Maryann
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; Philippians 2:1-4; Acts 2:42-47, 4:32
