Useful to the Master in 2009
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ”
(Col. 3:23,24)
The story was recently told over the radio about an American soldier returned from Iraq who suffered the loss of both legs.  As devastating as this must have been for him, and doubtless will continue to be, his attitude seems exemplary. He is reported to be fond of wearing a shirt when he goes out in public with a printed message. It reads on the front-Used Marine, Cheap. On the back of his shirt it reads-40% OFF / SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED.
Like the American soldier above, we also want to find our own niche after loss and disappointment; to continue to get up and try again-under less than ideal circumstances. How well Paul knew this (2 Corinthians 11:21-33).
1. Being useful was a priority with Paul (Philemon 11b).
2. Even being useless is notable to Paul (Philemon 11a)
3. The motivation for usefulness is the Master (Col. 3:22-4:1).
4. Being useful is to produce good works (Eph. 2:10).
5. And, Paul kept in mind the need for constant encouragement to remain useful (1 Cor. 15:58).
The Lord will not forget your usefulness.
-Robert M. Housby