Whether it has to do with food, tools, or work we all understand when something is producing or is useful. We need fruits and vegetables to keep producing so that we will have food to eat. We have a plethora of tools and gadgets at our disposal that are useful in helping us build or fix things. We know that we are expected to be useful and productive in our employment. Useful. Productive.
What about when it comes to being a Christian? A servant of God? A child of God? A vessel of God? We have been saved by the grace of God. God has invested a lot in us, hasn’t He? That’s a great understatement. God has done so much for us that we can’t even fully grasp it. God has done all things for our salvation. To make us His. God saved us for a reason. Not only to save us from our sins but to also be useful and productive in His kingdom. Zealous for good works (Titus 2:14). We were recreated in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10). We have been saved to bear fruits of righteousness in our lives. Righteousness. Good works. Evangelism. Worship. Loving. Serving. We are to be “bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). We are to be “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:11).
The question we need to ask ourselves on a constant basis is: How useful and productive have I been for God? When God comes to me, does He find produce? Does He find me useful in His grace? Or has His grace been spent on me in vain? That’s what Paul didn’t want. Paul acknowledged that he was saved by God’s grace, but also that he worked very hard to make sure God’s grace wasn’t spent on him in vain (1 Corinthians 15:10). Jesus said that our Father is glorified when we bear much fruit; fruits of righteousness (John 15:8). Jesus said that we are to be the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16). But He said that if the salt loses its flavor then it’s of no use anymore. It’s no good. He said that if a light is hidden then it is useless. We have to be the salt and light that can be used. In 2 Timothy 2:20-21, Paul said that there are two kinds of vessels used in a house. A useful one, which he likened to righteousness. And a useless one, which he likened to ungodliness. We need to be the useful one that lives in righteousness.
So what are we? We need to take a good look at our lives and ask if we’re being useful and productive for the Lord. Can the Lord find growth in me? Does He find the fruit of good works in my life? Does He see me living a godly life? Does He find me loving, caring, serving? We have been saved by the grace of God. As Paul said, let’s not let that go in vain. Let’s not waste what God has given us in Christ Jesus. Be useful. Be productive. Be active. Be zealous. Be God’s.
A Cord of Blue 