On Being Useful

The Writings have some striking teachings on the concept of what they call "use," an innocuous-sounding word with large implications.  The importance of the idea can be seen, to begin with, from the fact that the delight that comes from being useful is fundamental to the experience of happiness in heaven.  It can - and should be - here, too.  On an even larger scale, use is the third part of the trinity of human function, in the image of God:  God is, most fundamentally, the Divine Love and Divine Wisdom. Similarly, people's minds have a a feeling or motivational side and a comprehension side, or what the Writings call will and understanding.  Both of those have to work together to get something done, and the thing done is a use.  In other words, to do something, i.e.,  a use, you have to both know how to do it and want to do it.  Uses can be good or bad, depending on the motive.

Further Reading

The Blessing of Work

Mankind, An Instrument of Use

The Promotion of Uses

Discrimination Between Uses

What Do Angels Do?

Is the Devil’s Pillow Soft?

Excerpt from Heaven and Hell