Christians Credentials: Length Of Service

Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Galatians 5:26 (NKJV)

I’ve met or heard lots of Christian preachers who start by sharing their time in service: 

  • “I've been saved for 30 years, and counting!”

  • “I got baptized when I was eight years old, and I've been working for God ever since.”

To me, they sound like pompous professors, reviewing their impressive credentials. 

  • But does God value us by height and length?

  • Or does He measure the depth of our hearts?

His Advice?

  • 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart' (1 Samuel 16:7).

Let’s reconsider… The Parable of The Vineyard Workers.*

  • 'Many who are first will be last, and the last first' (Matthew 19:30).

Actors, models, and talent for Christ I spent five decades as an outsider. Therefore, I believe… I’m “credentialed” to speak for the unchurched, the prodigals, and the sheep who are lost.

When Christians bigshots brag about their faith, our hope takes a hit. Can we measure up?

In 2 Corinthians, Paul cuts through the religious pride of 'Super-apostles' (12:11) with a sharpened sword of godly sarcasm.

  • 'Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast' (11:18).

However, Paul's boasting was different:

  • 'If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness' (11:30).

Actors, models, and talent for Christ: When saints confess their weakness and trials, outsiders relate. They get curious and may become open to The Gospel.

Conclusion

The signal flag for grown-up saints flies low– on the ground where the fallen can see it. The name of that flag is HUMILITY… often seen with VULERNABILITY.

For Christians bearers of these two standards, the only true elevation awaits.

Because… 

'Those who humble themselves will be exalted' (Matthew 23:12).

Christian Credentials: Length of Service (Part 3)

* The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+20%3A1-16&version=NKJV

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.

Carey Arban