What does it mean to be useful in the work of the Lord?
Answered in 1 source
Being useful in the Lord's work means being diligent and sacrificial, committed to serving others.
In the context of the Christian faith, being useful in the work of the Lord refers to the way believers actively participate in building up the body of Christ through service and love. The example of Onesiphorus is a powerful testament to this principle; in 2 Timothy 1:16-18, his efforts to comfort Paul while imprisoned reflect a selfless commitment to the gospel. The criteria for usefulness in God's kingdom are not based on human metrics but on one's faithfulness in serving others and proclaiming the good news. Ephesians 2:10 further reinforces this idea, stating that we are created in Christ for good works, which God prepared beforehand for us to walk in. Thus, every act done in faith, no matter how small, contributes to the greater mission of Christ.
Commentary