Useful Work
Philippians 2:16, Devotion #9

Hold tightly to the word of life, so that when Christ returns, I will be proud that I did not lose the race and that my work was not useless.
Philippians 2:16

Father, when is our work useful and when might it be considered "useless?" This morning a day will unfold. We are so dependent on people doing work. There will be a Bible study with guys gathered and the building will be warm and the streets cleared of ice. Useful work makes all of this possible. Our trash is picked up on Mondays and getting that stuff hauled off is useful work. It definitely impacts our attitudes. Going to the doctor for a check up and having someone check us in, weigh us, take our temperature and check our blood pressure. All are useful. The list could go on and on and on.

So, the world goes around because of useful work. Sure there is "useless" work all around us. We heard the story recently about a 'hit man': useless! Ripping people off for personal gain: useless! Saddam Hussein executed for "useless" work. This line of thinking could go on and on. The bottom-line: value added for the good of the whole. That may sound like a cliché but it is a reality. Useful work adds value to life. And of course, the value depends on the "eyes of the beholder."

Your word reads, "Whatever your task is, put your whole heart and soul into it, as into work done for the Lord and not merely for men – knowing that your real reward will come from him." (Colossians 3:23) Useful! If we want to be sure that our work is useful, we can do it for You. Father, please guide us in all this. Thank You for all the work that goes on so we can live the way we do each day. Fill us with the strength to 'keep on keeping on' in lives lived usefully and to Your glory. Come Holy Spirit.

Thank You, Father, in Jesus name. Amen.

Love, Dad / Danny