Re:Verse reading–Philemon 1-25 (day two) I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment, who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me. vs. 10-11
Do you remember when you were applying to college, for a scholarship, or even for a job and it required a letter of recommendation? When choosing who will write letters it is most critical to get people who will sing your praises. I’m not sure Onesimus would have wanted Paul to call him “fomerly useless” in his recommendation letter. Not really a ringing endorsement.
Paul, however, understood the nature of conversion. Prior to his own encounter with Jesus, he was ‘useless’ to the church. His hostility and anger were in opposition to the work of the Holy Spirit. Then God showed up.
This is your testimony too. God has given you value that is of heavenly worth. This is the only kind you need.
It would cause me to examine the applicant a little deeper if his or her past was revealed to me. However, I would look at the transformation aspect of the applicant, from useless to useful, and make a hiring decision.
We should reward the transformed behavior and that is the way for building peace! Reward desired attitude and behaviors. The past becomes irrelevant!