Colossians 3:23-24
“23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Volunteering at church is one of the greatest ways we can demonstrate our love for God and others. It is an act of worship, an expression of gratitude, and a means of fulfilling our divine calling. Many of us serve in different capacities—some teach Sunday school, some greet people at the door, some work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. But no matter what role we take on, the Bible reminds us that our service is ultimately for the Lord.
Today, we will explore three key aspects of volunteering in the church: the heart of service, the impact of service, and the reward of service.
1. The Heart of Service
Paul writes in Colossians 3:23, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.“ This verse calls us to serve wholeheartedly, not half-heartedly.
Too often, people approach volunteering as an obligation rather than an opportunity. Some serve out of guilt, others for recognition, and some even with reluctance. But God desires that we serve with joy and passion, knowing that our efforts are for Him.
Think about Jesus—our perfect example of a servant leader. In John 13, He humbly washed His disciples’ feet, showing us that no task is too small when done in love. He served with compassion, dedication, and sincerity. As we volunteer, we should adopt the same heart—a heart that serves not because we have to, but because we want to honor God.
2. The Impact of Service
When we serve, we become instruments of God’s love and grace in the church and beyond. Our service strengthens the body of Christ and advances His kingdom.
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul describes the church as one body with many parts. Each member has a unique role to play, and when everyone contributes, the church functions effectively. Whether you are setting up chairs, leading worship, or helping in children’s ministry, your service is vital.
Consider the impact of volunteering:
- When you greet someone at the door, you make them feel welcome in God’s house.
- When you teach a Sunday school class, you plant seeds of faith in young hearts.
- When you clean the church, you create an inviting space for worship.
- When you serve in outreach ministries, you bring hope to the community.
No act of service is insignificant. God uses every effort, no matter how small, to accomplish His purpose.
3. The Reward of Service
Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:24, “knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” This verse assures us that our labor for the Lord is never in vain.
Sometimes, volunteering can be exhausting. There may be moments when we feel unappreciated or overlooked. But we must remember that our ultimate reward does not come from people—it comes from God.
Hebrews 6:10 says, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” God sees every act of service, and He will reward us in ways beyond our imagination. Our reward may not always be material, but it will be spiritual—peace, joy, growth, and, ultimately, eternal life with Him.
Serving at church is a privilege, not a burden. It is an opportunity to glorify God, bless others, and grow spiritually. As Colossians 3:23-24 teaches us, we must serve with all our hearts, knowing that we are working for the Lord. When we serve with love, our efforts make a lasting impact, and God promises a great reward.
So today, let’s examine our hearts. Are we serving with joy and dedication? Are we using our gifts for God’s glory? If you are already volunteering, keep going and be encouraged—your service matters! If you haven’t started, consider where God is calling you to serve.
May we all commit to serving wholeheartedly, knowing that it is Christ Himself whom we serve.
To God be all the glory, now and forever.
Were you able to glean and grow from this message so God can be further glorified and His Kingdom magnified? If so, I would love to hear from you. Follow this link to get in touch… Let’s pray!
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the opportunity to serve You with all our hearts.
Help us to work diligently, not for recognition or praise, but as an offering to You.
May our service be filled with joy, love, and a desire to glorify Your name.
Remind us that every act of service, no matter how small, is meaningful in Your kingdom.
Strengthen us when we grow weary and encourage us with the promise of Your eternal reward.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
