Raise your hand if you’ve ever had bad customer service. You don’t really need to raise your hand, but I would love to see how many of you actually did! It can be pretty upsetting when something doesn’t work out the way we expect and then we get poor, little or no help resolving the issue. I recently had something come up that caused a lot of frustration and I even began to use the excuse: “but I’m a paying customer!”

However…

Usually at some point, I start to put myself in their shoes. I begin to think about what kind of day they’re having and how I can help the situation by not being selfish. Sometimes I get what I was hoping for, sometimes I don’t. But I’ve realized that being on that side of the phone or window or counter is not usually easy. It involves sacrifice. It involves dying to self. After all, “the customer is always right,” right?

Scripture has something to say about this when it comes to service.

Philippians 2:1-4

If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Paul is being pretty clear here. It’s hard to miss his point: If we are truly united in the fellowship of the Spirit, we won’t be selfish. We wouldn’t just take care of ourselves, but others too. 

A couple of weeks ago, we finished our Rise Up series by talking about serving God. We highlighted the idea of service and we encouraged the church to “rise up” and serve. We have an amazing group of volunteers…let me say that again…amazing! But with Hong Kong usually “in transit,” we could always use more.

But have you thought about this: If you call Island ECC your church home, did you know that you are already a volunteer? Think about it. Once you get settled and make this your church, you are now a greeter, a host, a door-opener, a direction-giver, a helper, an is-there-anything-I-can-help-you-with person. Seriously. You are. Because there will always be someone new to the church. And if you’ve been here for a month, you know exponentially more than they do and you can help! You can look out for the interest of others.

So, since you’re already a volunteer, why not “make it official”? Here are some things you can do:

1. If you are already one of our volunteers, please be encouraged! Our church is grateful for your time, effort and heart. We could not open our doors on Sunday without you! And read that passage again…it is speaking to you too!
   
2. If you’re not an official volunteer, you are missing out! Serving the church is a great way to get to know people, develop your passion for ministry and…AND…worship God! You can sign up for many different areas to serve (here: http://www.islandecc.hk/serve/service-volunteers/).
   
3. If you are brand new to the church, pray for our volunteers. Encourage them and know that their heart is to serve God and the church. And as you continue to make Island ECC your home, think about ways in which you could lend a hand.