02/17/20 Credentials

READING: Exodus 32-34, Philippians 3

Paul, by his own admission, had much reason to consider himself worthy. Few people were as trained in Judaism as he was, and even fewer were as zealous to defend his faith tradition as he was. He could readily list his credentials—both academic and experiential—on which he could have stood to prove his value. When he met Christ, though, he realized that all his credentials were fleeting. In fact, they not only did not make him right before God, but they instead only condemned him. His reasons for “confidence in the flesh” (Phil 3:4) may have been many in the world’s eyes, but Paul learned better.

His own evaluation and conclusion were clear: “But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ” (Phil 3:7). It was as if Paul were creating an accounting ledger with “worldly credentials” on one side and “meeting Christ” on the other—and deciding without question that meeting Jesus meant more than anything. Everything else led only to loss. In a contrast with the world’s thinking, Jesus through His death and resurrection brought victory and purpose to Paul’s life.

Today’s reading reminds me that gaining credentials means nothing if we somehow miss Jesus in the process. As a seminary professor, I need to remember this truth—and always, always, always point my students first to Jesus.

PRAYER: “God, sometimes I lean more on my credentials than on You. Remind me what really matters.”

TOMORROW’S READING: Exodus 35-37, Psalm 26, Philippians 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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