Useful

<<beneficial>>

We are only useful to God in the measure that (as a channel) we allow Him to use us to affect the world, so allow your heart to be touched by what touches His. Be proactive and humbly volunteer, “Here I am, send me” (Isa 6:8; Heb 10:9). God is more interested in our character and our making ourselves available to Him, than any ability we have. The quality of our inner life is foundational to sustaining the ‘daily grind’ and acquiring the skills we need. It is our responsibility to prepare ourselves to be useful to God by continued repentance of our sins and cleansing by His blood (2 Tim 2:20,21). For His part God undertakes divine pruning to increase the harvest (Jn 15:2). This ongoing refining depends on our obedience and brings us into greater conformity with His ways, thus making us of greater usefulness for Him (Rom 8:29, 12:1,2; Eph 4:22-24). Am I continually allowing God to change me, aware this will be a never-ending process? Paul names two useful helpers, one of whom he said had been useless in the past (2 Tim 4:11; Phm 1:10,11). As we put the effort into developing various godly qualities in our lives they will increase our effectiveness in the Kingdom of God (2 Pet 1:5-8).

Do not be envious of the ability or skill of others instead give yourself fully to what God has called you to be, knowing He will use whatever is made available to Him. This may not be in the way we think He should, yet He knows best – trust Him. Rather than pray, ‘Lord use me’ pray to be made usable, recognizing there is a lot of unrighteousness still

Work with God so you are readied for His use

residing within and character qualities that are not compatible with His. Even though you risk possible failure, take the mature attitude of ownership to grow more, expending yourself for the Kingdom of God. Don’t limit what God can do in and through you by wrong mental attitudes or motivations, knowing growth and progress involve hard work and even times of discouragement to build tenacity in us – accept these as facts and step out in faith, doing whatever He tells you to do (Jn 2:5). As we will all give account for our lives, including not doing what God requires of us, be determined to make your life count for eternity, storing up heavenly riches (Mt 6:19-21; Rom 14:12). Vision and effort are required to turn a dream into reality.

Secular society considers a person useful if they contribute through meaningful employment and involvement in the wider community. By doing what requires to be done, often more responsibility is given, however if the opportunities are not taken the opposite effect takes place, so as we see a need we should respond (as appropriate) considering we are doing it for Christ (Eccl 9:10; Mt 25:20-29,34-46; 1 Cor 10:31; Col 3:17,23). Christians are to be enthusiastic doers of good works, impartially meeting people’s needs, but also aware of fatigue in body and soul (Tit 2:14; Jas 1:27, 2:1-9,15-17).