Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
My wife, Kristi, and I took a short trip this past weekend. It was a quick but fun time away. The flight home was packed! Maybe one or two seats open on the whole airplane. As people where volleying for seats, trying to fit their bags in the over-head compartments, the flight attendant came on the microphone. She mentioned there was a family with small children that would like to sit together and asked for volunteers to give up their seats for this family. The passengers all went silent and were looking down. Kristi and I could give up our seats but the guy next to us was sitting across the aisle from his family and could not move, so we were not available. But as I looked up from the awkward silence, one lone hand shot up. That passenger was about 5 rows ahead of us. He was a 5-year-old boy! Now I’m not sure why he wanted to switch seats, but out of a whole airplane full of adults, he was the only one to volunteer! I was proud of that kid. His mom even tried to pull his hand down and I think I heard him say, “I want to help this family.” Wow! What a great heart. What a great example! How different our world would be if more of us were like this kid.
God, through the Bible, encourages us to step up and help people, and if needed, be the first to volunteer.
1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Proverbs 11:24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.
Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,when it is in your power to do it.
Proverbs 3:28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again,tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.
There is a lot of need in our world these days. Needs for volunteers in our schools, in our city parks and recreation departments, in the service organizations in our community, in our churches, among our neighbors. Why not be first to volunteer! Your actions will inspire others. This young volunteer on the airplane that day did not end up changing his seat, for as people noticed a kid volunteered first, whole rows of people opened up and that family got to sit together. When we step up to volunteer, others follow and soon it becomes a movement!
Yes, church can be a great place to step up and volunteer. If you do not already have a church you attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church that loves God and seeks to live life His way. Each Sunday we study the Bible and have a great time together. We would love for you to join us. Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.
Seeking to step up and volunteer along with you,
Messages From Mike 
