We all do our best to avoid the perception of being ordinary and unschooled. None of us would ever dare embrace being called an idiot. But the disciples did.
In the church world, most of us are constantly encouraged to pursue “excellence” in all that we do. Worship leaders and musicians are counseled to “play skillfully” (Psalm 33:3 NIV). Tech directors should strive to be “master craftsmen” (Ex. 31:4 NLT) as they work with their hands.
Whether it's overtly said or implied by our leadership, we are expected to be good at what we do.
None of us would ever dare embrace being called an idiot. But the disciples did.
Shedding ego
As Peter and John embarked on their post-ascension ministry, the teachers of the law called them to testify before the Sanhedrin ruling council regarding their miracles and public testimony about Jesus.
With astonishment, the religious leaders realized that there wasn't anything special about Peter and John. They didn't have any formal training or an extensive education. Acts 4:13 (NIV) notes that they were “unschooled and ordinary” (idiotes in the Greek, the root of the modern term “idiot”), and that they had “no special training” (NLT).
They were run-of-the-mill guys. Idiots!
But in the same breath, those same religious leaders were “astonished” at these idiots. Not because of their abilities. But because they “had been with Jesus” (NIV).
In that moment, the Sanhedrin were able to recognize that in the absence of formal schooling, Peter and John had found their success in the presence of Jesus. The miracles they performed had nothing to do with their own abilities or potential but had everything to do with the power to which those two men were connected.
We can easily forget all about the One who actually gave us that talent in the first place.
In today's society, it's easy to become people who strive. We stay busy, always working harder to achieve more and stand out from the crowd. We do our best to avoid the perception of being ordinary and unschooled.
We put ourselves in a position where the attention shines on what we can do or what talent we have. We can easily forget all about the One who actually gave us that talent in the first place.
When others look at us, instead of first noting our achievements, perhaps they should see the fullness of the Holy Spirit's power and presence.
Practicing self-reflection
I often think back to the spot I was in when I accepted my job in ministry over 10 years ago. Stepping into the position from another industry, I felt that I was completely overwhelmed in just about everything.
I was well aware of my own limitations and insecurities. But in the end, I found my peace in knowing that any success I ever achieved could only be the result of supernatural favor and blessing.
By stepping in over my head (and beyond my natural talent), I had no choice but to give God all the glory for everything He would be able to accomplish through me. There was no way I could be selfish and keep the credit.
The traps of knowledge and accomplishment are both real and powerful. We avoid admitting weakness and failure, and we probably enjoy being recognized by others for how well we do our job.
By stepping in over my head (and beyond my natural talent), I had no choice but to give God all the glory for everything He would be able to accomplish through me.
There is danger, though, in becoming so self-dependent on our own abilities that we completely neglect the Holy Spirit's ability to empower. We may feel we don't need supernatural favor because we can open doors on our own.
I once heard this asked of a group of church leaders: “If the Holy Spirit's presence left your ministry, would anyone notice?” In essence, have you gotten so good at your job that you don't need supernatural assistance anymore?
Walking in humility
Don't let your natural abilities keep you from being dependent upon the Lord every day for a fresh anointing of wisdom, creativity, and discernment. Don't allow your self-confidence to prevent you from earnestly seeking the Lord's favor and guidance. Don't become so busy getting good that you forget to get God. Be ordinary. Be an idiot.
