I used to think I needed to be able to recognize some level of prominence in someone before I could consider him to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, such as professional clergy, or someone having a popular identity with religion.  In my mind, he needed to have credentials.

But a disciple is defined Biblically only as one engaged in the learning process.

[μαθητής: (mâthātāys) disciple, pupil, follower]

Interestingly enough though, when I realized that Christ’s disciple is simply a follower who learns to apply what He taught to his own life, I realized that he does indeed need to have “credentials.”  

Just not the kind I was thinking of.  

His credentials are his exhibited life skills.  Because, just like any other skill which needs to be developed, the role of a disciple needs to first be learned, then practiced and refined before it can be effectively demonstrated. 

Those who claim to serve the Lord in a professional capacity may or may not be faithful disciples.  But one thing is certain, the ones who are didn’t expand their knowledge and the skill to teach, shepherd or serve in some other way by sitting around waiting for Him to give them a thumbs up.

They sought to become aware of their gifts, and learned how to develop them into effective skills.

I’m also convinced that the most powerful testimony to the productivity of Christ’s disciples is revealed in the lives and stories of everyday people doing all kinds of different jobs.  The zeal they have to accomplish good works in His name parallels the enthusiasm they have in their occupations.  And the skills they’ve developed to become credible disciples are the same ones they’ve developed to achieve the targets of their careers.

I’m also persuaded that my potential to teach or encourage any member of the Body of Christ has never hinged upon my having been stricken down blind while traveling on a road in Syria.

The apostle Paul was a tentmaker by trade.

What are you?