I own a couple of used cars. One of them is really “used” as it has been driven close to 300,000 miles. My plan is to keep using it until it breaks the Odometer, breaks a mileage record or it breaks apart. I like to use things until they can’t be used anymore. This applies to soap, toothpaste, shoes, clothes, cars, food, wife, etc.
Here in the United States, we throw many good things away simply because they are used. Many nations could be well fed with the food that is discarded every day from restaurants, hotels and super markets. The same could be said about clothing, shoes and a host of other products.
The urge of buying new cars, cell phones and many other material things is overwhelming for many Americans. The problem with those “new” products is that they become used as soon as we acquire them. A few months (I mean weeks) later a newer version appears in the market and we feel disappointed with our now used (and seemingly useless) possession.
The average Christian is similar to a brand new automobile in a showroom. They both look great, shiny and with lots of potential. What good does it do for a new car to remain in a dealer, or for a Christian to hide in the church? There are far too many “brand new” believers around, and I am not referring to their recent conversion. They are new in the sense that they are rarely used by God.
Let me ask you a question: Do you think that God wants to use every Christian? The answer is yes, of course. Every believer is an important member of the body of Christ and has a function and a purpose. I want for God to use me in any and many ways. I pray that He uses these writings to bless you.
Used things are anathema to the world, but Christians that are used by God are a sweet smelling offering that is pleasing to the Lord. The more that we are used by Him, the more glory He receives and the more blessings we and those around us enjoy. Even people like Mark, who refused to serve God and be used by Him at one point, can be used again as Paul testifies: “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:11).
Believer, be useful to God and not useless. This is the right thing to do. This is our life’s purpose
“Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21)
Alexander Gonzalez
