Articles
The Ultimate Equalizer
Perhaps it is because we live in a specialized culture where most jobs are only accomplished by those trained for them, but it seems that people often see service for the Lord as only something that can be accomplished by the specially educated. Not only does this contradict reality, because anyone can read and understand scripture, but it contradicts the words of scripture itself. Serving God is not a high and lofty profession meant for some with the right pedigree and education.
Fishermen, tentmakers, tax collectors, and fabric distributors are all examples of the kinds of professions that God can choose from to make servants of the gospel. To come in contact with the gospel is to undergo a radical change in priority and direction, and thus, we cannot judge ourselves or anyone else as ill-suited for kingdom work based on professional background. We must see the kingdom of God as the ultimate equalizer.
This realization that past performance does not preclude future service is something that Paul understood quite well. “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor.” (I Timothy 1:12-17) While Paul did not let his past keep him from serving God with diligence, he never ceased to give thanks for God’s mercy. Indeed, his past wrongs likely motivated him further to serve with steadfastness.
When Paul wrote to the saints in Corinth, he reminded them of the kind of people who had no place in God’s kingdom, specifically, “fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers.” However, to make his point that they should not seek legal victory over other saints, he reminds them, “Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” (I Corinthians 6:9-11)
While there is certainly a standard to which were are to grow into and conform (Ephesians 4:11-16), there is no background or past that makes one able to serve in His kingdom. God can use you and put you to work as He has done for so many others. The one quality that is required is a willing attitude and a love for Him and His people. Will you serve Him in your life?
