Violet
2007-12-23 13:08:26 UTC
My born again Christian friend asked me what purpose my volunteering had. She felt that if I wasn't doing it for God, it meant nothing, because there was no greater purpose to my efforts to help others. She then went on to explain that when she helped others (which to her meant trying to convert people) she was doing God's work, thereby insuring a place for her in Heaven.
Many years later, long after our friendship dissolved due to her unceasing efforts to 'help' me, she works as a missionary, while I continue dedicating my life to helping others in my own ways.
I find that rather screwed up. Should we not be helping others because we can, and we care, rather than to receive an award for our efforts?