Really useless? - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

When you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.

A vessel for honour, sanctified and useful for the master, prepared for every good work.
Luke 17:10; 2 Timothy 2:21.

Really useless?
Today's two verses appear to contradict each other, but it is in no way true.

Who is asked to consider himself useless? You and I! Faced with the greatness and power of God, I must acknowledge that all my efforts to participate in His work are but a drop in the ocean. God could easily pass me; He will achieve His purpose with or without me. And since He knows that pride, that natural tendency to think myself more important that I am, is one of my problems, He simply puts me in my right place.

That does not mean, however, that God does not appreciate what I do for Him. Since He has saved me and made me one of His children, He has left me on earth to be an active witness of His love. As the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates, He has given me abilities to employ for Him. He gives a wonderful reward to those who do so faithfully: "Well done, good and faithful servant, you were faithful over a few things, I will make you a ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord" (v. 21). With what joy we shall share the Lord Jesus' pleasure when all who have believed in Him are gathered together in heaven!

Let us heed Paul's exhortation: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Today's reading: Exodus 3:7-22 · Luke 1:39-56