Romans 9:32, “Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works, they stumbled over the stumbling stone.” There is a difference between a volunteer and a paid worker. The tasks are usually the same. However, the difference is the reason behind the effort. One chooses to participate in the task because it gives an immediate reward. The other chooses to participate because a need is there, and an immediate reward isn’t necessary. That distinction is what this verse is speaking about. I once was asked by one of my tax clients what was meant by the standard mileage rate. I explained it was a rate the IRS sets for using your personal vehicle for work purposes, medical purposes, and charitable purposes. I will never forget his answer. He said he could understand the work purposes because that was something he did as part of his job. But he didn’t understand the charitable miles because that was something he did for God. He wanted to do that. The work miles he had to do. As I read this verse my mind went back to that conversation. He wanted to do verses he had to do. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” When your Christian walk crosses over to “have to do” be wary because the wanting to do is slipping.