Usefulness In God

Make every effort to come to me soon; for Demas, having loved this present world , has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia , Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.

2 Timothy 3:9-11

Paul speaks of usefulness in his last inspired letter to Timothy. He asks Timothy to bring Mark to him because Mark was useful to Paul’s ministry. This verse got me to thinking. Are we useful to the ministry that God desires for us?

We know that God wants to use us for His glory. But, are we putting ourselves in a place where can work in us effectively?  Is there something that stands in the way of our supreme usability for God? Let’s examine three conditions for usefulness in the Kingdom of God. 

We must be clean. God will not work through us effectively if we are living contrary to His will and His word. The Old Testament priests would undergo a cleansing before they entered the temple to serve. We, as New Testament priests, also need cleansing from our sinfulness for optimum usefulness in Christ’s ministry. (1 John 1:9-10) If you want to be used by God, you must be clean.

We must be compassionate. A love for God and a love for others in necessary for us if we hope to be serviceable in God’s Kingdom.  (Matthew 22:37-40) Love is what will sustain us and keep us faithful. Being used by God is not always easy. Our love for God and others will strengthen us and undergird so that we can serve effectively over the long term. 

We must be cognizant. Jesus desires to work in us and through us right where we are. He will use all of our situations and life spheres to place us where we can be most usable. Open your eyes, dear Christian. There are needy people all around you who need your love, encouragement, and witness. Find someone who needs help and help them. It’s just that simple!

Tony French