Question 72 – Who does God use?

Many people believe that serving God is reserved for elites, priests, or those who choose to enter a monastery. At other times, even Christians hold the view that we cannot serve God effectively without proper academic (or biblical) education.

These beliefs and assumptions are false. Education can be an enriching and important benefit, but never a prerequisite for meaningful and effective service in God's kingdom. Even among Christians, we often find individuals who underestimate themselves and, by doing so, limit God. They say, "I'm not a good speaker," "I don't have a theological education," etc. In other words, they admit, "I'm not up to it." But ironically, this is the best realization they can have. If we can do God's work by our own strength, then it is not truly God's work. Jesus calls into His service those who realize they cannot operate independently of His grace and empowerment. This unwavering dependency on Him is a fundamental condition for God to use us more significantly. Therefore, God will more readily use an ordinary simpleton with an open and sincere heart and achieve far more through them than with a proud theologian with ten academic degrees.

People generally measure by standards that God does not accept. Even the great prophet Samuel thought in such a superficial manner when he saw Jesse's son, Eliab (Jesse – father of King David): 

"But the Lord said to Samuel, "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)

Summation

God is not limited by our education, social status, or eloquence. The fundamental criterion for Him is a willing and sincere heart that loves others and desires to serve God. The Bible describes many simple and uneducated people whom God used powerfully.