Whether at our local church or outside it’s walls, there are many benefits in giving our time to serve other people, especially when we are single!
What the world sees as volunteering, we often call “service” in church wording. We serve our brothers and sisters, or we serve the people in our community because God asks us to do so. We can also give our time with non-religious community organizations, as long as we do it for the Lord. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23 NKJV).
To serve is an important part of the Christian life because it requires us to sacrifice ourselves for the good of our neighbor. And when it comes to sacrifice, Jesus is our best example. “So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:12-17 NKJV).
If it is necessary for all Christians, regardless of their social status, to serve and sacrifice for their neighbor, it is rather advantageous for a single person to volunteer. First, because if we want to get married, the sacrifices we make now for others are good practice for what awaits us in the life of a couple. Good weather, bad weather, whether we feel like serving or not, if we commit to doing so, we have to do it. And it will be the same when we are married. Volunteering is, therefore, a very good way to develop not only the character of Christ but also the servant spirit required for a happy marriage.
If you know that you need to improve some areas of your life, why not volunteer for a related service, so you can learn. You feel a little awkward with the kids? Then volunteer to babysit on Sunday mornings. Since the church is always short of volunteers, they will not fire you at the first mistake, they will surely be patient with you and they will teach you everything you need to know. Are you a little shy? Then offer your services at the welcome desk. You will be forced to speak to others and your discomfort will gradually dissipate. Your pride is far too high? Go volunteer to clean the toilet! You will never be rewarded and you will have to do it again and again: what better way to break this pride! Volunteering in the church is great because it is an environment that forgives easily (because the authorities are Christian and because the workers are rare!) and that allows us to develop all kinds of qualities essential to a future life of a couple.
It’s also a great way to meet and make friends with other Christians who share the same interests as you. First, the same interest in Christ and for service, but also, depending on the task you perform, the same spiritual passions. For example, if you join the intercession group, you will meet other members of your church who are also passionate about prayer. Who knows, maybe another single person who shares the same passion: a good starting point to develop a friendship! Of course, we do not serve to find a partner, but this is another place where we can actually create meaningful friendships.
Finally, it also pleases God that we choose to sacrifice our time, our money, our energy, and our comfort. This offering never goes unnoticed in the sight of God. “For God is not unjust to forget your work and [a]labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10 NKJV). So, let’s not stop serving. It’s good for others, good for the Kingdom of God, good for us and our future marriage. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV).