COMMITMENT TO MENTORING

Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. “What a huge harvest!” he said to his disciples. “How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!”

Matthews 9:35-38 (The Message)

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 08/21/06

With the school year at its very early stages, it is that time of year when volunteers are being recruited to fill tutoring, mentoring or other after-school roles. You may have already been approached, heard an appeal or read a bulletin expressing the need. As when Jesus ‘looked out over the crowds’ there is a great need for workers who will go out and meet the needs of those who are ‘confused or aimless’.

As the Holy Spirit prompts you to respond to the call, may I give a word of encouragement? The need is great! If you say yes, be committed. Do not take your volunteer role lightly. The heart of a child is at stake. Too often, because it is a volunteer role, we allow our busy schedules to prioritize other things ahead of our commitment. You can’t imagine how disappointing this is to a child. They may never tell you how disappointed they are but they will hold inside the memory of where you have placed their worth. You will have joined a long list of those who have disappointed them and taken them for granted.

“How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!”