Question: Does God considers volunteer work as work? I really want to work in my domain, which belongs to the medical side, yet I can hardly find any openings, but many clinics would hire you if you do some volunteer time. My question is if it is acceptable to God if I do volunteer work at a clinic for the purpose of maybe even getting hired after, or should I seek another job in another domain? My parents really insist to work in my domain since I have finished a college for this and even I want to do this, yet I have trouble thinking if I am not sinning, since I wouldn’t help my family with money, since volunteer work doesn’t pay. My parents are encouraging me to do this thing and they said they don’t need any money from me, just to become good at my job, yet I still keep thinking about the bible saying that someone who doesn’t provide for his relatives is worse than an unbeliever. I want to support my family and I can easily do it outside volunteer work, yet is it better to remain a volunteer not being sure if I would be hired in the future or should I seek something else as a job? Does working always needs to bring money so you can give to your family or is working without being payed even considerd work by God?
Profile: Male, Europe, Christian, 19–25
Answered by: Johnnie Mae Parker, who has been a volunteer with us since December, 2015.
Answer: Thank you for submitting your question. While seeking to find the answer to your question as to whether God considers volunteer work as work,” a quick word study revealed that the word “volunteer,” as used in Psalm 110:3 (NKJV) and other references, is translated as willingness and is usually associated with an offering of some type. The meaning is similar to the way we understand volunteer work: a willingness to give of your time, talents, and even your treasure without being reward monetarily. Further, volunteer work is different from working to earn a living, since the one doing the work is compensated for his or her efforts. One example of a person who earned a living and also did volunteer work is the apostle, Paul. His occupation was that of a tentmaker and yet he also preached the Gospel to the Jews and the Greeks (Acts 18:2-4). This fact about the apostle Paul helps us to clearly distinguish between a volunteer and one who is compensated for his efforts.
In response to your statement about the biblical reference regarding “those who do not provide for his relatives is worse than an unbeliever,” it will be helpful to understand one of the basic principles regarding Bible study—the principle of reading within context. It is important to understand the Bible passages within their context. Taking passage out of context leads to errors and misunderstanding. However, when we carefully look at the context and use the entirety of Scripture as a reference, we can understand the full meaning of a passage. The context drives the meaning of a phrase and it should never be ignored. (Read more at https://gotquestions.org/context-Bible.html).
The biblical reference you mentioned regarding the one who do not provide for his relatives is worse than an unbeliever, is found in 1 Timothy 5:8:
“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Just reading 1 Timothy 5:8 alone, a logical conclusion would be that those who do not provide for his relatives is worse than an unbeliever. However, when we read this passage in context with the passages that precede and follow, 1 Timothy 5:3-15, we learn that Paul is sharing with Timothy how to minister to widows. While it is true that we all should do our part in loving and supporting one another, this particular passage of Scripture is not applicable to your given situation since your parents have indicated they do not need your financial support at this time.
Your concern for your parents is admirable. Perhaps
a more applicable passage of Scripture for your situation is found in Ephesians
6:1-3: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for
this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is
the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you
and you may live long on the earth.” Your parents desire what is best
for you. You will have an opportunity, in the future, to provide for
your parents. Allow your parents to do what God desired of them: “Train
up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.”
In addition, you asked, “if it is acceptable to God if you do volunteer work at a clinic for the purpose of maybe even getting hired afterwards.” Consider where you are in life to be a blessing from God. Having the chance to work in a clinic as a volunteer assisting others while learning and developing new skills at the same time is not afforded to many.
Continue seek God through praying and studying the Bible. Allow God to direct your path. Remember to thank God for the loving and caring parents He has given you. Also be sure to thank Him for the blessing He has bestowed upon you to make a difference in this world.
