The question may seem strange, yet everything God has created has a specific function. Since God gave us free will, it is up to us to decide who we are going to serve.

In our churches, we often speak of God as the Potter, and we are like the clay. We are thus compared to different types of vessels, submitted to the all-powerful hand of our Creator. “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:20-21 NASB). Like a vase, we all have utility; we all have a function to do.

Being who we are, we often focus on what we want, on our own goals and dreams. But it is good to take the time to humble ourselves and to remember that above all we are a vessel in the hands of the Potter. This being said, it is good to ask ourselves: are we of use to our Creator at this moment? Do we fulfill the functions given to us by our Father? Do we even take the time to reflect on what we are called to do in the growth of His kingdom?

Let’s continue in this illustration. What would happen if we took a tablespoon to cut a steak? It would not be effective at all, because the spoon does not have this function. Paul compares the church to a body in which each member is different and has a different function (Romans 12:4). Not all of us can perform the same function in the church, we each have our part to do (Ephesians 2:10). But if the spoon decides to stay in the drawer of utensils, to do nothing, because it can not cut a steak, that is not right. No other utensils are as useful in bringing soup to our mouth.

“For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God” (Hebrews 6:7 NASB). We were created to be a blessing in the Church. It is important to fulfill our function and produce good fruits to nourish our community.

And for someone singles, this is not only helpful to the Body of Christ but also helpful in their search for a partner. It is by serving others that we make ourselves known, that we stand out and meet other Christians who share the same passions as we do. It is by serving that our character is transformed, that our pride is crushed and that we learn to sacrifice ourselves: qualities essential to a solid future marriage.

It is indeed what God does when we seek to be useful to Him. Before using us, God makes us usable. Does an army general send a seriously wounded soldier to the battlefield? Obviously no, even if the soldier really wants it. We must all become usable: to be fit for all good works (2 Timothy 3:17). God loves us too much to send us into the world without first off healing, transforming, and equipping us. Before praying “Lord, use me”, it is good to ask: “Lord, make me usable”.

To do this, God will certainly start by cleaning you from all that is useless in your life. “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12 NASB). What activities do you do that, let’s face it, are useless? It may be time to do some cleaning in our hobbies and to live with a purpose. You might have friendships that do not add anything to your life, that don’t help you grow. Maybe it would be time to change your contact list? Maybe you should change your thoughts too? Which ones are useless and non-constructive? Could you change your worries with Biblical promises, for example?

Let us become useful to God today, starting by giving up all that is useless.