By Melissa Sharp
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24
As a race director for many years, I’ve come to learn that nothing great—and I mean nothing—can be done without the help of volunteers. This was especially evident on the weekend of August 17-18, 2024, at the 30-hour Bad Dawg Ultra event that included distances from the 12 mile run/ruck to the 100 mile run. Even with the heat index topping 100 degrees, our team of volunteers worked tirelessly for 12 hours to take part in this fundraiser which provides free shoes to needy children. They worked diligently through the sweltering heat to ensure a constant supply of ice, water, food, and electrolytes was maintained at the three aid stations. They distributed more than 1,000 pounds of ice, nearly 100 gallons of gatorade, and countless gallons of water!
Not only were the volunteers all hard working, but they were also extremely friendly! A young, first-time 50 mile runner told me how awesome his experience was because of the kindness, helpfulness, and jubilation of the selfless volunteers. He said he was so highly impressed that he would definitely be back next year! A mother (whose son completed the 100 mile distance) wrote on her social media:
“A special thanks to the amazing volunteers with Bad Dawg Ultra…some of them stayed 12 hours after their shift was up just to witness our son finish this race and to cheer him on…and all of the volunteers AND THE DIRECTOR and her husband went out and paced with him to make sure he reached the cutoff time. We will never forget you!! He only had one hour to spare and their whole squad was NOT GIVING UP ON HIM. Thank you.”
It was such a blessing to have volunteers who were both hardworking AND overflowing with so much enthusiasm and friendliness!
Later that day after the event ended, my husband and I sat down to share a much-needed meal with our dear friend Maggie, a volunteer over the course of the entire event. My husband made a remark that caused Maggie and I to smile.
“Man! We were sure short on volunteers this year. It’s amazing that it all went so well considering the heat and the need for all the ice.”
I looked at Maggie and responded:
“You’re right! It’s because the few volunteers we had worked extended shifts and worked ‘heartily,’ knowing they were ultimately working for the Lord and not for man.'”
I wasn’t kidding when I say they worked heartily! They labored with their whole hearts, doing the work of two to three people in order to make up for what we lacked in numbers. But this comes as no surprise when working with Christians who desire to keep Christ at the center of their life. You see, when we, as believers, know that it’s actually Christ we are serving; then, when we serve each other—we consider it an honor. As we serve, He fills us with HIS joy and strength. We are confident we will “receive the reward of the inheritance,” and so we are freed to serve willingly and enthusiastically.
A diligent and hard working attitude is a powerful testimony to the lost and dying world because it’s so contrary to the way much of the world works. Most people don’t work without expecting some monetary compensation or some other reward or praise for every single effort they make. They are unwittingly being robbed of the joy that Jesus can give them through serving!
The way we work in every aspect of our life—WILL set us apart from the world! This is the very reason we must work heartily at—our job, as volunteers, as church members, or as the Bible says “in whatever you do!”
Our work is a witness of the Amazing God we serve.
Look for opportunities to share Christ by not only volunteering in your community, but doing ALL that you do powered by God’s strength and filled with the BE-attitudes of Jesus. You will not only bless others, but you will be blessed beyond measure with a degree of joy you can’t measure or explain. Helen Keller wisely explained it this way,
“The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we work for You—not for man—by willingly giving ourselves in service to others. Lord, thank You for the people who give of themselves each day to make the world a better place and to bring You glory. Help us to be those people who seek out opportunities to help others so that the world is inspired to come to salvation through the ONE who brings peace and light to this dark world. In your precious name we pray, Jesus.
Amen.
Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. Melissa has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.
