"I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me." Philemon 10-11
One of my sons is working on an old motorcycle. It is in pieces in my garage. I was glad to offer some assistance along the way but unfortunately, my useful knowledge is quite limited and now the poor boy is on his own. We are hoping a good manual will help! It is frustrating though...coming to a point where you don't feel useful. Sometimes we can feel that way in the Christian life.
The book of Philemon is a unique little book that is a great help in the area of spiritual usefulness. Like other New Testament books it is a letter written by the apostle Paul but it is unique in that it is written to an individual regarding one specific issue. In it Paul addresses his dear friend, Philemon, concerning a runaway slave named Onesimus. As Paul writes about his hearts concern and desire in this matter we are given a beautiful picture of the transforming power of the gospel. Consider what Paul says about Onesimus in verses 10 & 11.
1) Onesimus was useless. That is to say he was unfaithful, unreliable and dishonest (vs.18) and provided no profitable service to Philemon. In this disobedient life we have a picture of the effects of sin in each one of us. Sin renders us spiritually "useless" and that uselessness is expressed not only towards God but towards the people around us as well. Read Romans 3:9-18 and you will get good idea of the devastating effects of sin.
2) Onesimus became useful. (Onesimus actually means "useful"!) Paul describes him as "his son", his "heart" and as a "brother in the Lord" (vs.16). Simply put, Onesimus has become a Christian. Through his contact with Paul in prison he has come to understand and believe the gospel and the transforming effects are being clearly seen. Paul's words describe a personal, positive and productive usefulness flowing from Onesimus' transformed heart.
This is what the gospel does! When we, by the power of God's Spirit, turn from our sin and embrace the forgiveness that Christ provides in his life, death and resurrection we are transformed from useless and broken to useful servants of Christ. Wonderfully, each and every believer is made uniquely useful. This should encourage and challenge us. If you are a Christian you are spiritually useful and you should be growing in your useful service! Have you thought seriously about how you are being used in personal, positive and productive ways in the lives of people around you?
Further reading: Ephesians 4; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12