Make Yourself Usable at Work - The Work Place

by Charles Ligon

Every Christian should want to be used by God in some special way, even while at work. In fact, it should be the goal of every workplace believer to have a transformational presence where they work. But are we usable? I’ve never forgotten the words of Leo Humphreys (missionary) while serving with him on a short-term mission trip to El Salvador. He said, “We pray that God will use us. Instead, we should make ourselves usable and He will wear us out for His Glory.”

Is there a difference between wanting God to use us and making ourselves usable? The answer is an emphatic “Yes”; there is a difference. When I ask God to use me, I am asking Him to work within the scope of my pre-arranged plans. Whereas, if the focus is on making myself usable, I will more likely serve His purposes and fulfill His plans because I am adapting to the situation in which I have been placed. The Bible says, many are the plans in a man’s heart but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails (Proverbs 19:21). There is no better place to be than in the center of God’s will and fulfilling His purposes. So, the million dollar question…how do we make ourselves usable?

First, understand that we’ve been created as vessels (Romans 9: 21; 23). A vessel is designed to contain something. To be usable God wants to fill us with His Spirit so that we can make known the riches of His glory. What’s more, the Bible says that we are His chosen vessels and we are to bear His name before others (Acts 9:15). Second, in order to be usable, a vessel must be clean. 2 Timothy 2:21 says that if we cleanse ourselves, we will be a vessel of honor, sanctified and useful by the Master. We are cleansed by dealing with personal sin and seeking His forgiveness every day. Third, if a vessel is to be usable, it must be available. We make ourselves available by staying connected to the vine. Jesus said I am the vine you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in Him will bear much fruit; for without me you can do nothing. (John 15:5).

Our workplace challenge is to focus first on being usable vessels. How? Be filled daily by His Spirit, be cleansed and purified of any personal sin and stay connected to the Vine (John 14:7) so that we can bear much fruit and the Father will be glorified (John 14:8). Leo was right. If we make ourselves usable, He’ll wear us out doing great things for His glory.