Be Generous with Your Service

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 NIV

In a story titled "HEROES MARATHON 2024: Every runner has a reason" published by Salem News Missouri yesterday, the Race Director, Marilyn Sweitzer, said, "Every runner has a reason why they run. For some, it is the way a toned body feels or to maintain good health, an endorphin rush, peace of mind, or for mental clarity. For some, it is to fund raise for charity; for others, to achieve an endurance goal such as to marathon in each of the 50 states, or on each of the seven continents, or to complete a certain number of marathons. At the Honoring our HEROES Marathon on Saturday, the overall reason for all 544 entrants from 41 U.S. states and territories was to honor our HEROES - veterans and active military." Marilyn went on to detail the specific reasons some of the runners ran this year (including the reason my husband and I ran) and then added, "Volunteers are the heart of the event.” Indeed they are! Without them, none of these runners would have made it to the finish line. As both a runner and Race Director myself, I’ll tell you that races couldn’t exist without selfless people such as the ones that helped make the Heroes Marathon a success. 

And, you know, when it comes to volunteering, the Bible is clear that it’s pleasing to God when we generously serve others without expecting anything in return and that “a generous person will prosper.” In addition, the Bible tells us that “whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” You see, when you and I selflessly give of ourselves, we can’t help but be filled with the joy that comes from doing so, proving the words of Jesus to be true that “it’s more blessed to give than to receive.” 

So look for opportunities to serve within your community my friend. Doing so will not only put a smile on someone else’s face but will put a smile on your face as well. Which makes volunteering a win-win for everyone. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that service to others blesses us more than the ones we serve. Help us to be people known for being generous with our time, talents, and our treasures Lord that all might benefit from our service and You would get the glory. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!