Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point Church in Eastvale
By Pastor Mark Lee
According to a report issued by the Corporation for National and Community Service, there are approximately 64 million people in the United States who donate more than 8 billion hours of time to their communities annually. In terms of the national economy, these contributions are valued at nearly $175 billion dollars. However, the rewards for the volunteers themselves are priceless.
While the United States celebrates April as National Volunteer Month, much will be said about the ways volunteerism benefits communities. But, we should also remember that there is much to be gained through community service. As the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”
Studies show that volunteer work has the ability to increase self-confidence, combat depression, and diminish the symptoms of chronic pain. And these are just the health benefits! Serving others can also improve professional skills, build relationships, and provide career experience. However, the greatest benefit of unselfish, humble service is the fact that it gives us the opportunity to mature and grow as individuals.
In Acts 20:23, the apostle Luke wrote, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remember the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Sure, there are a million reasons why you can’t volunteer – you don’t have the time, you don’t have the money, and you may not even have the desire. And true, the world will continue to revolve if you do not serve. Your community will continue to thrive and your neighbors will be okay. But will you?
VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sundays at 8:30, 10, and 11:30 a.m.
