"USELESS OR USEFUL"

In a short letter with but one chapter, Paul writes to his friend Philemon, a believer in Colossae. One of his slaves named Onesimus had apparently stolen from him and then ran away. He met Paul, probably in Rome, where Paul converted him and with this personal letter sends him back to his master. Of Onesimus, Paul writes: "I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was USELESS to you, but now he has become USEFUL both to you and to me" (Philemon 10,11).

The question then can be raised concerning each of us. Are we USELESS or USEFUL in the kingdom of our Father? To be USEFUL we need to:

Imitate Matthew who faithfully followed Jesus. "Follow me," He told him, and Matthew got up and followed him (Matthew 9:9).

Be like Barnabas, an encourager and a liberal giver.... Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), "having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet." (Acts 4:36,37).

Pray like Epaphras. "Laboring fervently for you in prayers that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." (Colossians 4:12)

Be like Epaphroditus, faithful unto death. "...because for the work of Christ he came close to death..." (Philippians 2:30).

Imitate Dorcas who was "full of good works and charitable deeds." (Acts 9:36).

Are you USELESS or USEFUL for our Lord? As we have been created by God He has endowed in each of us certain talents and capabilities. Each individual is different and his or her talents and capabilities are different. Paul told the Ephesians in 4:16 that the church grows "according to the effective working by which every part does its share..." Let's all resolve to by USEFUL for our Lord!