I was trying to explain why I volunteer as part of Joy’s Stewardship Team. I suppose someone could argue that churches need money to operate and somebody has to raise the money or else the church will close. That’s a pretty crass reason, and it’s not mine.

I see stewardship as encouraging gratitude, generosity, and commitment among people. It’s about the kind of people we are. It turns out there is something somewhat selfish about my working with stewardship. I find that I am happier among people who are grateful, generous, and committed. I’ve been part of groups where people are angry, negative, self-absorbed, and just plain stingy. I found that being among those people affected me. I started to become like them. It wasn’t healthy for me. I had to get away from those groups. Being a member of Joy Lutheran Church has been something quite different. It builds up rather than tears down.

Volunteering with the Stewardship team turns out to be a blessing for me. It makes a difference in me. My life is better because I’m making a positive contribution to something that benefits others.

I think that should be the case however we volunteer our time and talents to our church. It’s not a matter of keeping an institution running, but of being blessed and being a blessing. How do you volunteer at the church? What does that do for you? What difference does it make in your life? And if you don’t volunteer, maybe you’re missing something valuable. Give it some thought.

Read 1 Peter 4:10 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne