Those who volunteer to serve

The leaders of the Israelite people stayed in Jerusalem,

and they cast lots among the people

so that one out of every ten would come to live in Jerusalem, the holy city,

while the rest remained in their own towns

(Nehemiah 11:1-2).

However, some people voluntarily stepped forward

among the people to live in Jerusalem.

When I reflect on these words,

I realize that Christians who willingly step forward

 to center their faith life around the church receive praise.

Those who do not wait to be told by others within the church

but humbly and faithfully serve with a heart

that loves the Lord and His church will be praised by the Lord.