1 Corinthians 1:18-31
18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified: astumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. 26Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before him. 30It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.
This verse serves as an encouragement to me, because as I look at my credentials, I balk…
– Fun/Funny- and yet he can act as serious and boring as a stick in the mud
– Creative- but likes to stick with the old and the same
– Relational- but at times is very introverted and doesn’t reach out
– Loves God- but usually is in a period of not seeking Him
– Loves kids- but often forgets how to to connect with them
– Loves the Word- but doesn’t seem able to pick it up hardly
– Works with media- and yet has done very very little of it actually
– Interested in communication- yet stumbles over his words and thoughts
– Feels called to serve as a pastor- and yet is pulled in a thousand other directions
– Loves serving- but is often too busy to do it, because he’s watching TV or napping
– Intelligent- but barely studies or does his work or reading or writing
– Active- but lazy
– Engaging- yet distracted
– Compassionate- yet apathetic
and the list goes on…
So at times I question “Would I do well in ministry?” “Will I be a good father?” “Am I skilled at all at what I’m doing?”… … … … and the only answer I can give is NO/YES.
NO
I can’t do anything- I am failing and falling more than succeeding. I am drowning in disappointment and can’t see the shore. I am weak and worn, tired and small. The things I do on this earth will amount to nothing- the friendships I make will end, the influence I have will fade, the works I do will be forgotten. I am simply vapor in the air, dissipating without a sound.
and
YES
Christ has chosen me to do great things. Not for me, but for His glory. He has chosen me, despite my weakness, despite my foolishness, despite my inability to get it together, despite my apathy, despite my selfishness, despite my pride, despite my desires, despite my thoughts, despite my deeds, despite my failures, despite my mediocre attempts, despite my lack of accomplishments, despite my credentials— he has chosen me to do great things in His Name.
God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.
30It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.
I AM NOTHING. I AM NOTHING. WITHOUT YOU. – Bebo
http://evanlycalling.blogspot.com/2009/07/esteemed-in-lack-of-credentials.html