What’s the Use? (Job 21:15)

What’s the Use?

“What is the Almighty, that we should serve him?And what profit do we get if we pray to him?’ (Job 21:15 ESV)

This verse falls into a category that I mark in my Bible under “things sinners say.” The Bible, a holy and true book, records many of the lies that sinners tell others and themselves about what they think about themselves, and about God. In this case, they are, in essence, asking the question, “what in it for me?” It is a question that could be asked by sinners who are unsaved, but also sinners who have been saved by grace.

I do some painting on the side at times. Why? Well, the extra income helps. But I tell people that it’s good for a pastor to be able to do something where he can see progress. Progress and change can be difficult to detect at times in pastoral ministry (or parental ministry, or any ministry, for that matter). 

We should pray for progress and change as the Gospel grows in people’s lives. But this question, “What the use?”, can have more sinister tones. Sometimes we ask this question because we are not appreciated in the way that we expect for our efforts by the people we are serving. What’s the use of taking the time, expending the effort? Of course, the answer is not difficult. We serve for the pleasure of God. Except when we don’t Sometimes we fall to the low level of serving for the pleasure of me. And that prompts the sinner’s question, “What’s in it for me?”

Paul never interpreted opposition or persecution to be a signal that he should stop his efforts. In America, we have become so “kind” and “sensitive” that we dare not mention Christ if we think someone might be a bit offended. Paul was right and we are wrong in this. Related to the paragraph above, this is a case of caring more what people think than what God thinks. God has made clear the priority of sharing this Gospel that we have graciously received. What’s the use? Because in the face of persecution, the Gospel shines even brighter.

And finally, what’s in it for us? It’s the joy that comes from serving. It’s the meaning associated with doing something that will have eternal benefits (unlike painting). It’s the one thing that truly helps people at the deepest level. We can help people with physical therapy or diet advice, but serving and sharing Christ is of a whole different level of value and privilege. Let’s not stumble by saying the things sinners say, and asking “what the use?”.