Frequently Asked Questions on Serving the Needs of Others
Q. I often hear references to 'use.' How is one 'useful'?
A. Being useful is loving the Lord and serving your neighbor. This can
show up in many different ways, depending on the gifts and talents God
gave you. When you perform your occupation faithfully, honestly, and
justly, that is useful. When you are present with friends and family and support
them in times of need, that is useful. When you reach out to a stranger,
you serve a use. When you honor the Lord through prayer, reflection on
His Word, and worship, that is useful. This "doctrine of use" is important
in the New Church, because we believe that in Heaven everyone performs
uses and takes great enjoyment in doing so. Heaven is not a place to sit on a
cloud and lounge around. Like earth, it is a place where we use the gifts and
talents the Lord has given us to help and serve others.