Were you sent or did you volunteer?

• John 1:6 (NKJV) There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

Recently while listening to a minister teaching I was struck by a statement he made; he asked, “Were you sent or did you volunteer?”

Considering the fact that I lead a non-profit organization, volunteers are essential; I have the highest respect for the many dedicated volunteers that ensure that the FMCOG is a church of anointed excellence.

However, I am ever mindful that there is a difference between volunteers and those sent. For example, many volunteers see their contribution as something they do on the side; they can quit when the price is too high or when there’s something else they’d rather be doing. On the other hand, the person that is sent does not have that luxury. They are under a mandate. They don’t even think in terms of price or inconvenience; they think in terms of faithfulness and finishing their course.

Now there is nothing wrong with being a volunteer. Volunteerism is a way to make a vital contribution to the many worthy causes in the world and it is a way to use our time wisely and enrich our lives and many others – everyone should volunteer in some area.

However, for the person that believes they were created by God for a purpose, there will be a few things in which they are sent. With that comes a boldness and tenacity that volunteering will never have.

Years ago – out of the blue – Sonja and I was sent to be the pastor of the Fort Mill Church of God. Filling the pulpit here was not something I was looking to do or even wanting to do; but we were sent and that has changed everything.

There have been tough times and low times. There have even been times when I felt like quitting; but at the end of the day I have this deep settled peace that God sent me, and since he sent me he is going to keep me and help me to finish well. As great as volunteering is, there’s nothing that compares with the assurance and peace that comes from being sent.

So I ask you, were you sent or did you volunteer?

Note: The minister making the statement: “Were you sent or did you volunteer?” Was Rev. Mitchell Tolle, pastor of the Man of War Church of God in Lexington Kentucky.

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