•  Used: only muscle, no mind; when all you want is their help but not any of their input or improvement.
•  Used: only next, no overview; spend the extra time to communicate how this job fits into the big picture.
•  Useful: they have a part, not extra; communicate their vital role and remind them of its importance to the whole.
•  Useful: love the person more than the job; when the job becomes more important than people, it will be obvious by how you talk, set priorities, and manage pressure.
•  Used: every job has good and bad parts of it, share it all. Don’t give yourself all the best parts while leaving them with the worst parts.

Opening Question

1. Is it possible to feel used or useful doing the exact same work?
2. Mostly yes. Many factors will arise as to how a person feels about their work; many have nothing to do with the work.

Closing Thoughts

•  God has given us the job of sharing the gospel.  He could have communicated his truth many different ways but He chose to let us be a part.  He gave us gifts and talents.  What a privilege it is to be useful in a cause bigger than us.
•  Be careful with your humor.  Anyone who feels used will be sensitive to any words that confirm their suspicion that you care more about the job than them.  You may have said it in jest but they heard it as truth.