The Precursor
February 2001
Being Useful
"...uses, which are goods, are from the Lord, and consequently are Divine; yea, they are the Lord Himself with man." (Div. Love XIII)
IN THE NEW CHURCH WE MAKE MUCH OF USE, and it is important that
we do so. The Writings of the New Church make it plain that uses, when considered interiorly, are from the Lord
Himself. Inmostly, good uses are Divine, for they are an expression of the Lord's love.
Our tendency is, of course, to think of uses in terms of external things. This is because, when we do something useful, we do something in the external world. But a use is only a use if it serves a purpose. And there is no purpose unless it fulfills a desire, or a love.
Even if you wash the dishes, one of the more mundane of worldly chores, you are doing it for a purpose. You are doing it partly so that things will look tidy, and tidy surroundings are pleasing to the mind. You also wash the dishes so that people can eat off them, and be nourished. In either case, you are washing the dishes from a love of helping and pleasing other human beings.
This doesn't mean that when someone is washing the dishes, he or she is necessarily filled with feelings of charity and love. Ultimately, though, the things we do are motivated by love. And if within what we do there is a desire to serve others, then, deep down, the uses we perform in this world are not really natural things at all. They are spiritual. They are things that come forth from a love of helping others, a love that is an image of the Divine love. We are doing what the Lord wants to be done. The work we are performing, the uses we are performing, are His uses. In performing these uses from a sincere heart, our love touches the source of all love, the Lord Himself. Our lives, our actions, have become part of the Divine purpose -- that people should serve one another.
Therefore, if we are to find the Lord and draw close to Him, we must be of use. In heaven we will all be assigned our uses. And on earth, during most of our lives, we have jobs which should be our primary way of serving our fellow human beings. But usefulness must extend beyond this. Our whole philosophy of life must be a search to be useful to others. Before we start work, when in school, we should strive to learn so that we can be of greater service as adults. When we have finished work, after we retire, we must continue to seek for ways to be of service to others. If we should lose our jobs, we still must strive towards the same goal -- to be helpful to others in some way. Even when we are sick, and can do very little, there are still some things we can do, which will bring happiness to others.
Where is the Lord? He is everywhere. He is with you when you worship, for in worship you learn from His Word, focus your mind upon Him, and gain the knowledge and determination to do His will. But you cannot find the Lord in such worship alone. You will only find Him if you go out and determine to do what you can, do as much as you can, to serve, not yourself, but those around you. It is in uses that the Lord is present, with His love and with His wisdom.
The Lord is everywhere, for His love is universal. He is with you wherever you are. But if you, in turn, are to be with the Lord, if you are to turn to Him, then you must live a life of love. You must live a life of use.
"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you" (John 15:12).
Editorial (c) 2001 by Patrick A. Rose.
Unless otherwise noted, all events are at the church building. Classes for those in high school and for younger children are available upon request.
The Reading Discussion group meets normally twice a month. We are currently reading from the Old and New Testaments during our sessions. There is no advance reading, but please bring a Bible with you.
If you are scheduled for a specific job and are unable to be there, please could you find a substitute, and, if possible, notify the pastor in advance. Thank you.
Sat. Feb. 10 General Doctrinal Class. 7:30pm. Subject: "The Grand Man." Suggested reading is AC 4218-4225 [Arcana Coelestia]. Refreshments: Dinah.
Sun. Feb. 11 Divine Worship. 11:00am. Usher: Max. Sunday School: Helene. Sunday School Subject: See Jane. Flowers: Dinah.
Mon. Feb. 12 Swedenborg Reading Group. Kettering. See announcement later in this issue.
Tues. Feb. 13 Reading Discussion Group. 7:30pm. Bring along a Bible. No advance reading.
Sat. Feb. 17 Privately sponsored event. Homeopathic Study Group. 10:00am. All welcome.
Wed. Feb. 21 Trustees.
7:30pm.
Sat. Feb. 24 General
Doctrinal Class. 7:30pm. Subject: "The Last Judgment." Suggested reading is AC 3353-3356 [Arcana Coelestia]. Refreshments: Dinah.
Sun. Feb. 25 Divine
Worship. 11:00am. Usher: Tom. Sunday School: Gabrielle. Sunday School Subject: See Jane. Flowers: Dinah.
Mon. Feb. 26 Swedenborg Reading Group. Kettering. See announcement later in this issue.
Tues. Feb. 27 Reading
Discussion Group. 7:30pm. Bring along a Bible. No advance reading.
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Our Condolences
Our hearts are with Charles Townsend, whose wife, Melba, was called by the Lord into the spiritual world on December 31, 2000. The funeral was held at the Norman Chapel at Spring Grove Cemetery. Melba was a member of the Cincinnati Art Club, was a fashion designer, and was an extraordinarily generous lady.
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Interment
Omar Howard "Mitch" Mitchell, age 85, of Charleston, West Virginia died Tuesday, January 9, 2001 in the Hospice Unit at the Dayton VA Medical Center following a long illness. The Rev. Patrick A. Rose officiated at a brief memorial service, followed by an interment, at Marysville, Ohio on Saturday, January 13, 2001. The burial took place with full military honors conducted by the Union County Veterans Association.
We extend our sympathies to his family.
A full memorial service will be scheduled later, and will be held in Charleston, WV.
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Swedenborg Reading Group
Feb 12 and 26. 7:30pm. Books & Co. 350 East Stroop Road, Kettering. (937) 859-4466. (937) 298-6540 for the bookstore. All welcome!
This month's topic is: What universal secret would you want revealed to you when you arrive in heaven?
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