Are You Qualified to Serve God and Lead His People?

When we hear the word “qualified” our thoughts likely go to the portions of the Pastoral Epistles written to Timothy and Titus where some very strict qualifications are set forth for Pastors (Elders, Bishops).

I believe there is another passage that even more fundamentally relates to the call of God and to whom He will continue to use. I must say it is surprisingly simple; at least in concept.

Warning:  We must avoid the potential trap of thinking God’s measure of pleasure is seen in fame and notoriety, nickels and numbers, and Baptist “signs and wonders”.

The passage I point us to is I Corinthians 1:26-31. Truth screams for our attention when the scripture concludes  with “…He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” (Taken from Jeremiah 9:24)  This also shouts at our pride and shoves us toward humility. Indeed, humility is basic the flavor of the text.

The very reason some otherwise qualified men experience so little of  God’s power is because of a pattern of  thinking, living, and leading that is the opposite of who God calls in the first place.

God says, “not many wise…mighty…noble are called.” If that is true when He calls us to serve we should also be aware and even fearful that acting wise, mighty, and noble “according to the flesh” could lead to disqualification. Yet before that tragedy occurs, this attitude can lead to God taking His hand of power and anointing off His man either gradually in mercy or suddenly in judgment.  There is only one thing worse than not having the presence and power of God. That is not having it and not knowing that it is missing. Ask Samson! He went out and flexed his muscles (used his own fleshly ways) and did not know that the Lord had departed from him as a leader.

Furthermore, God is very interested and quite pleased to keep using what popular thinking would call “…foolish…weak…base…despised…” and even what appears as nothing, to further His Kingdom and build His church.

Well, do we qualify for God to use us? And let also ask ourselves do we qualify for a visitation from God? Do we qualify for His anointing (special touch for a specific task)? I do believe more time on our knees honestly asking God about these matters will prove far more valuable than countless hours in growth seminars, strategy sessions and prayer-less team meetings. If we believe that, is there anyone among us today who has the courage to believe God by actually waiting on God “until you are endued with power from on high.” We say we want to be used of God, but how usable are we?

On our side, “no flesh should glory in His presence” and on His side, all glory is unto Him even in advance of a visitation of His life changing power and glory.”

Never forget that the criteria of humility from which God calls us is also the criteria by which He continues to use His servants.  No wonder that He has repeatedly said He, “…gives grace to the humble.”