This is the start of National Volunteer Week.

We see litter on a street and wonder why the city crews haven’t picked it up. We wonder why city government won’t take care of that junky vacant lot, or why some social agency isn’t helping the elderly or the homeless. We hear about nursery workers needed at church and think, “They should hire someone to do that.” Because our government does so much for us, we may assume that someone else should do everything.

But that would be impossible—there are too many needs and not enough money. And that’s where volunteers come in. These are men, women, boys, and girls who pitch in, using their own time and money to make a difference in their neighborhoods, city, and world.

This is National Volunteer Week, but Christians shouldn’t need anyone to remind them to help others. Jesus said that people would be able to identify his followers by their love for one another. And throughout the Bible, God tells us to reach out, especially to the poor, widows, and orphans. You’ll find tons of verses, including the one for today, telling us to serve others.

So look around. What do you see that needs to be done that you could do? Who needs your help? When will you start?

If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching (Romans 12:7).

To Do

Ask your pastor or youth pastor about how you can serve at church.

Also on this day . . .

1965—R.C. Duncan patented Pampers disposable diapers.

1994—Graeme Obree, the Flying Scotsman, set a world bicycling record (52.713 km/h).

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.