Being “Useful” For God

By Chad McComas

Most every Christian I know wants to ultimately hear the complimentary words of the master found in Matthew 25:21. The master leaves for an extended time and gives talents to three of his servants. One gets five, another two and the third one talent. There have been numerous thoughts on what the talents represent. Some say money. Others say skills and abilities. This article isn’t going to deal with that. But I do want to suggest that when the master says… (“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!”) our hearts resonate with a deep satisfaction. Deep down we want to be “useful” for God.

Being “useful” for God is just as much about our character and demeanor as it is about building resources and numbers for God’s kingdom.

Paul outlines the “fruit” of our sinful nature verses the “fruit” of the Holy Spirit’s presence in Galatians 5. It is all about character and behavior: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22,23

This issue of The Christian Journal is looking at gentleness. Gentleness is how we use what we have in life. And how we use what we have makes us useful or not. The Greek word for gentleness is chrestotes (khray-stot'-ace). It literally means usefulness, i.e. moral excellence (in character or demeanor).

Are we “useful” for God’s kingdom?

At the end of the sermon on the mount Jesus talks about the narrow way. He talks about false prophets (people who say they are from God) and how we can recognize them by their “fruit” (gentleness is included). Then He warns that when these followers want to come into the kingdom He tells them: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:21-23

Evidently being “useful” to Jesus and His kingdom is much more about being “gentle” than it is about being successful in miracles and prophecy.

We have all heard the stories of huge football players taking ballet dancing as part of their training. Seems odd, yet the premise of taking all that strength and power and getting it under control with grace and finesse makes good sense. It’s making them “useful” tools rather than out-of-control forces.

We all want to be “useful” for God.

Paul tells us how to be useful: “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

How are we to be gentle? He continues: “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14

It’s time for all of us as believers to let God prune us to be more fruitful in the area of gentleness. Because when we are gentle…we are useful to Jesus and His kingdom.

Chad McComas writes from Medford, Oregon.