The world operates on credentials. Degrees, certifications, licenses and identification. In many ways, it defines us in this world, but not in the Kingdom of God. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:1-3 that our credentials come from the Spirit of God, from Jesus.
As a follower of Jesus, our qualifications come from believing in him. Our citizenship in the Kingdom of God is our commitment to following Christ. This is demonstrated not by church membership or letters of recommendation, but by those we impact for Christ. As Paul writes in verse 3: “You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts (NASB).”
At the end of our life, all our credentials in this world, our status and qualifications, our earthly resume, will become meaningless. What will matter is how you used your earthly credentials for the Kingdom of God. The Spirit of God alive in you and those around you, a letter from Christ written in human hearts, is the only letter of recommendation you need.
What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless. – Ecclesiastes 2:22
© 2020, CGThelen
Thanks. Blessings.
So much truth here and you back it up with scripture! Love this post.
May you feel God’s presence today. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
This is lovely and has so much meaning for me today. Thank you.
Thank you.
Thanks. Membership is always an interesting discussion in the church, particularly its meaning. I pray your discussions are fruitful. Blessings.
Amen. So true. Blessings.
Excellent! We have been reviewing, in our church, what “membership” means according to God. This is good stuff.
Excellent pot! Yes you have all kinds of letters attached after your name but none compare to having His name attached to ours.
That verse is very convicting to me. We represent Christ in the lives we impact for the Kingdom of God. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Blessings.
Powerful word. We are letters from Christ to the world. Oh that is very very powerful and such an eye opener.