Are you called?

Several years ago I attended a workshop with Scott Dyer at the Willow Arts Conference. He spoke about their volunteer culture at their church and gave some great insights into the differences between being a volunteer and a called servant of Jesus. There is so much truth to this list and I recently came across it in some of my files. I thought I would share it for those of you who are either "volunteers" or who lead others.

“When God has put His call on you, woe be to you if you turn to the right hand or to the left. He will do with you what He never did with you before the call came; He will do with you what He is not doing with other people. Let Him have His way.” --Oswald Chambers

• A volunteer looks upon rehearsal as another commitment they’ve been obligated to fulfill, but someone who is called of God looks forward to rehearsal as another opportunity to be used of God.
• A volunteer looks upon any constructive criticism with indignation, but someone who is called of God is grateful for feedback because he wants to be the best he can be.
• A volunteer puts in minimum effort, but someone who is called of God puts in maximum effort.
• A volunteer sits back and complains about this and that bothering him, but someone who is called of God leads a personal campaign to improve that which needs improvement.
• A volunteer feels threatened by the talent of others, but someone who is called of God praises God for distributing gifts and talents as He chooses.
• A volunteer does no outside practicing or preparation, but someone who is called of God comes to rehearsals and a performance as prepared as possible.
• A volunteer wants to quit at the first sign of adversity or discouragement, but one who is called of God digs in and perseveres.
• A volunteer is oblivious to the needs of his ministry, but someone who is called of God prays over the needs of his ministry.
• A volunteer is more prone to jealousy of others, but someone who is called of God praises God for distributing gifts and talents as He chooses.
• A volunteer avoids resolving relational conflict, but someone who is called of God seeks to resolve relational conflict for the sake of unity in the Church.
• A volunteer’s main source of fulfillment is their talent and abilities, but someone who is called of God knows that being used of God is the most fulfilling thing you can do with your life.
• A volunteer can’t handle being put in situations where they are going to be “stretched”, but someone who is called of God responds to God’s call with humble dependence on Him.

I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Ephesians 4:1 (NIV)

Are you living and serving where you are called or are you simply a volunteer?