不久前在一家非营利机构，一位义工带领我们参观这个他一周花五天工作的地方。在我们这批访客中，有人问他，是什么激发他来服事的，他回答说：“我曾被确诊得了癌症，现在病情缓解下来，我很想利用自己余下的日子，做些有意义的事情。”
这位朋友，可以说是芸芸机构中、千千万万义工的其中一个。这些义工们，愿意使用自己的时间、才能和资源，在地上参与建造神的国度。他们不求荣誉和报酬，而是出于感恩才这样做。如果被问到，他们可能也会说：“我们是无用的仆人，所做的本是我们应当做的。” 对于这些义工，参与宣教或社区服务是他们甘心乐意做的事。
当然，不是每个人都能去做义工。我们很多人要整天上班，或有繁忙的家事。因着不同的原因，有些人要留在家里，不能参与。但我们可以为这些义工们祷告并鼓励他们，如果有能力也可以在经济上支持他们。对于那些从没想过做义工的人来说，或许现在正是重新考虑的好时候，去做神邀请我们做的事情。
主耶稣，为着所有志愿者，以及不求回报的人祷告。求祢帮助我们每个人寻求机会，去参与建造祢的国度。奉耶稣名求，阿们。
路加福音 17:7-10
7你们谁有仆人耕地或是放羊，从田里回来，就对他说：‘你快来坐下吃饭’呢？
8岂不对他说：‘你给我预备晚饭，束上带子伺候我，等我吃喝完了，你才可以吃喝’吗？
9仆人照所吩咐的去做，主人还谢谢他吗？
10这样，你们做完了一切所吩咐的，只当说：‘我们是无用的仆人，所做的本是我们应分做的。’”
"So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'" — Luke 17:10
Some time ago a volunteer at a nonprofit organization gave us a tour through the building where he works five days a week. At one point someone in our group asked him what motivated him to volunteer. He answered, "I was diagnosed with cancer, and now that I am in remission I want to use whatever time I have left doing something worthwhile."
He is one of thousands of volunteers in many organizations who use their time, talents, and resources to join in building God's kingdom here on earth. They don't ask for recognition or remuneration. They do it out of gratitude. If asked, they might well answer by saying, "We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty." To them, to volunteer, go on a mission trip, or get involved in their community is the natural thing to do.
Of course, not everyone is able to volunteer. Many of us have full-time jobs and busy families. Some of us are confined to our homes, unable to get involved. But we can pray for and encourage people who volunteer, and we can support them financially if we are able. And for those of us who have never considered volunteering, perhaps now is a good time to reconsider and do what the Lord invites us to do.
Lord Jesus, thank you for all who volunteer and who aren't concerned about getting credit for it. Help each one of us to look for opportunities to take part in building your kingdom. Amen.
诵读: 楚云
片头: 张妙阳
