What God Has To Say About Why We Volunteer

2ndSaturday started 6 years ago with a few friends who came together to help with the home repairs of an elderly woman in West Dallas. We’ve since grown into a non-profit that mobilizes thousands of people each year to make a difference in the lives of those in our own backyards, for the glory of God. We’re truly a volunteer-led movement passionate about providing a platform for God’s people to serve the least of these and gain a heart for Dallas’ neighborhoods in need.

If you’re curious about what the Bible has to say about why we give of our time, talent, and treasure to volunteer through 2ndSaturday, we put together just a few of the thoughts/key verses that inform what we do:

God loves and cares for those in need through us. Isaiah 58:10 declares, “If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in the darkness and your gloom will be as the noonday.” One theme that runs all throughout the Bible is that God closely identifies with and cares for the plight of the poor, and that to serve them is to serve Him. Consequently, we volunteer with humility, knowing that we’re working with those God dearly loves.

God blessed us with gifts and talents to benefit others. Can you imagine if Lebron never left his driveway basketball hoop, or if Beethoven only wrote songs for him and no one else to listen to? The Bible teaches that those who hoard their gifts, not only cheat others, but themselves. 1 Peter 4:10, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” You’re calling just might be found at the place where your gifting and the world’s needs meet.

God made us for His purposes way before we ever realized it. Ephesians 2:10 says, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” We serve and volunteer confidently, knowing that God has prepared the way for us!

God will reward us. A lot of people balk at the idea that a volunteer would be the one to benefit from serving, but Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive an inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Our volunteer leaders will tell you that often, they are the ones who feel that they’ve been the most blessed by serving the homeowners we work with in West and South Dallas. Not only is there personal satisfaction in serving others, the Scriptures teach that we’ll be rewarded by Jesus because it’s actually Him we’re serving!

What verses motivate you in volunteering and serving those in your own backyard?

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