Guest Article

Many years ago I was asked the question, "Why do you Volunteer and what do you get in return?" I don't recall, word for word, what my reply was, but it's very simple to this day.

For starters, I love my Country, State and County and those who reside within the boundaries of our Communities. While I didn't have the opportunity to serve my Country in a Military capacity, I began to search my very Soul and asked myself, "How can I help my Neighbor, and most importantly, "What does the Bible say regarding this issue?" Here are some of the answers in which the Lord directed me. 

2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver."  Next I was led to the Scripture, Matthew 6:1-4 "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye had no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you. They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."

Do I expect anything in return and what will be my reward? The answer is, "absolutely no!" My only expectation is that I'm able to help my Neighbors in their darkest hours. Matthew 25:40 "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."  Luke 6:35 "But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil."

No man can possibly reward or bless us like our Heavenly Father and Creator!

Hardin County District 4 Fire Department
District Chief - Deborah Oakley

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