Christian Credentials: Titles
If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Philippians 3:4-6 (NKJV)
Saul had truly impressive credentials! He was a respected, multilingual Pharisee on the fast track to stardom.
Since Israel was occupied by Rome, he had another striking advantage: Saul (who would become Paul) was a Roman!
Add in his intellectual brilliance– and uncompromising dedication to the defense of God and Judaism.
Unfortunately, his whole-hearted goal became the persecution of Christians.
'Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two' (Matthew 5:41).
Paul, the man, ALWAYS went the extra mile– even in hunting Christ’s new followers.
While he was on the road to Damascus, Paul experienced a glory moment: a game-changer with the King of Glory, Who reversed Paul’s grave misunderstanding.
Our world today idolizes titles: Chairmen, CEOs, MDs, PhDs, MVPs, award winners and whizz-kids. How does God view all these accomplishments?
'The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God' (1 Corinthians 3:19).
'He catches the wise in their own craftiness' (Job 5:13).
How?
Sooner or later, worldly credentials crumble like paper. They mean nothing to God--unless they’re used unselfishly to help other people.
PhDs should have no more respect than farmers with their hoes or cooks with their pots.
Credentials are merely instruments to be used in acts of service and love.
Paul put it this way:
'But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ' (Philippians 3:7-8).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ: Don’t measure your worth by accomplishments. Don’t buy into the world’s value system. Big roles and small roles are equal to God.
Christian Credentials: Titles (Part 2)
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2014 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.