Brother's Keeper - Encourage

As a Brother’s Keeper, you need to be an encourager – encouraging those around you especially with the word of God to accept Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives. We are looking at a situation whereby Paul has led Onesimus to Christ and he is about to send Onesimus to his master Philemon.

Philemon 1: 11, 15-17 (NIV)

 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

Emphasis Mine

Being in Christ places you in a position of better usefulness as a person, than out of Christ. Permit me remind you that when God created you, he placed potentials in you. These potentials can only be tapped through the knowledge of HIM who placed the potentials in you. Out of HIM, you are at risk of never becoming all that you ought to be in this life.

So too was the case with Onesimus. His name actually means useful, profitable, beneficial yet he lived like a slave throughout his life until he met Paul and his life changed. Paul is now telling Philemon in vs 11 that formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

Philemon 1:15-17 (NIV)

 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 

Emphasis Mine

If you are now in Christ, can you relate? Has there been a significant change in your life ever since you came to Him? Have you become more useful in kingdom matters, now that you know Him? In Christ, you begin to understand God’s purpose for your life and effectively function in it. By so doing, you become a useful contributor to the lives of the people around you.

I will use this opportunity to encourage you that vain living, vain talking will never profit you and those around you. Live life knowing that you will give an account on the day of judgement for every idle/empty word spoken Matthew 12:36.

Do not exist. Live purposefully. Cease every opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of one or many. Purpose to leave a legacy.

We are not told if Paul and Onesimus met again – however, I am certain Onesimus lived to remember that Paul led him to Christ- It was the turning point of Onesimus life. Make your life more useful, more profitable and more beneficial, first to yourself, then your family and friends. Amen!