Volunteers usually serve with less commitment than servants. They often need to fit their volunteer hours around other priorities in their lives. Volunteers generally view their work as a “gift” to the organization. Rarely do they not feel that appreciation is due them, after all, they have given all their time instead of being compensated. Volunteers usually have lower expectations placed on them, because they are free to go at any time. And if you listen to their reasoning on why they give their time, it is often because it “makes me feel good about myself”.
God doesn’t call us to volunteer. God calls us to serve.
Servants are to be completely committed. Servants place God first in every area of their life. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Col 3:23-24). Servants do not see their work as a gift that deserves gratitude, but instead they understand it is their duty. “Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, “We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do” (Lk 17:9-10). Instead of expecting appreciation, servants are thankful for the opportunity recognizing that it is a part of God’s grace. The opportunity to serve God is a gracious opportunity we don’t deserve. Paul understood this when he said, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the min-istry” (1 Tim 1:12). A servant’s service isn’t motivated by self promotion or glory. A servant’s service is accomplished through obedience to the Master who knows our purpose and has work for us to do.
Don’t Volunteer, Serve.