A key phrase in today’s business world is the phrase “value added.” It simply means the value that an action, process, or employee adds to the overall value and success of any business operation. We have come to expect “value” in everything we purchase. No one wants a car that doesn’t run, a house which offers no protection from the elements, or a chair we can’t sit in. If we possess anything that has little value attached to it, we simply repair it (if it’s repairable) or replace it with something of actual value.

The same is true in the spiritual world. God has little use for a Christian who does not add “value” to His kingdom (cf. Matthew 25:14-30; John 15:1-6). In our Lord’s teaching of judgment, all who were condemned had lost their usefulness. For example, the fishermen cast the useless fish away (Matthew 13:47-50). The one talent man was called an “unprofitable servant” (Matthew 25:30). The foolish virgins were shut out of the marriage festivities because they didn’t serve the purpose for which they were selected (Matthew 25:1-13). The fig tree was cut down because it bore no fruit (Luke 13:6-9; cf. John 15:2; John 15:6).

It’s easy for us as Christians to be lifted up with pride when God blesses us so richly. When this happens, we are likely to forget the basic reason for our existence as Christians (Deuteronomy 6:10-12; Isaiah 43:7; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Revelation 4:11). The inspired writer Paul expressed it this way in Romans 15:5-6:

“Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.“

The bottom line is this: God expects us to be of value to His cause. We are to be fellow workers with God in fields that stand ready to be harvested (1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 6:1; Matthew 9:37-38; John 4:35).

The individual or church which has no usefulness is thoroughly condemned in God’s word (2 Timothy 4:10; Revelation 2:1-5; Revelation 3:1-6; Revelation 3:14-19). This is why Paul urges us to engage in self-examination so we can determine whether or not we are useful in God’s kingdom (2 Corinthians 13:5; cf. 2 Timothy 2:20-21).

Today, let’s ask ourselves the following soul-searching questions:

· Are we adding value to God’s kingdom? (John 15:8; Matthew 5:16; Philippians 1:11).

· Are we setting the kind of example before others that we should? (1 Corinthians 11:1).

· Are we busy preaching and teaching the gospel message to the lost? (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16).

Our eternal destiny hinges on the answers we give.