Independence

Americans are pretty independent. It’s both a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because our great nation has been built on the “independent and stalwart efforts of persons” dedicated to free enterprise and innovation. It’s been a curse because our independent attitudes negatively impact group efforts and cooperation for a common good.

Nearly all helping organizations, like Salvation Army, are hurting for volunteers. This is also reflected in community organizations like the Lion’s Club and Kiwanis. Members in these organizations are graying and passing away while younger members are not to be found.

The church is impacted by the same independence.

Volunteerism is a core American value, not only in our culture, but in the church in particularly. Our commonness in Christ causes us to band together for service to the Lord. Our independence, (read) “our freedom,” makes us free to serve, and that is a major Christian principle (John 8.36).

Jesus encouraged volunteer service. He taught it in “The Parable of the Talents” and that of “The Good Samaritan” (Matt.25.14ff; Luke 10.30ff). Likewise, He divided the sheep and goats along the lines of whether they unselfishly served others (Matt. 25.31ff). So, the evangelist writes, “For you were called to freedom, brethren…through love serve one another” (Gal.5.13).

Pastor Tom