In Christ I Am Enough
By Jennifer Slattery
“As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message.” Galatians 2:6
Have you ever been in a Bible study with those who were not only smarter than you but vocal about this as well? I have, and I left feeling ignorant and insufficient. Initially, surrounded by seminary students learning Greek and Hebrew, I was excited to learn. What an opportunity! But as those more eloquent and knowledgeable than I “corrected” my perceptions, I grew quiet.
Withdrawn.
Afraid to speak for fear I’d say something wrong.
Perhaps you’ve been there—in a situation where others appear more respected, more knowledgeable, or maybe more well-versed. Luckily, in my situation, when these admired individuals spoke, they were usually correct. Doctrine was preserved, and despite my insecurity, I continued to learn truth and how I did or didn’t want to behave, if ever I found myself to be in these individuals’ place.
Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? If so, did it make it difficult to speak up? Sometimes, in such situations, those held in high esteem, who seemed so wise and learned, begin to sway others, maybe even mislead them?
This was the situation that Paul, the ancient evangelist who wrote today’s verse, faced. Heretics were confusing believers and perverting the gospel. So, despite experiencing slander, Paul spoke up. He defended truth, his authority for speaking it, and his credibility as God’s servant. He may not have been as polished or popular as the false teachers seeking to deceive Christ’s followers, but Paul wasn’t relying on man’s opinion, nor would he cower to them.
He’d been called and commissioned by Christ Himself, who has no favorites.
And that was enough.
That’s enough for us as well.
The next time you find yourself surrounded by those who seem smarter or smoother or more successful than you, remember, God’s not impressed with pedigrees or past achievements. His only concern is how we receive and live out His grace.
Jennifer Slattery is a writer, editor, speaker, and the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries. She writes for Crosswalk, is the author of eight contemporary novels, and helped write Wholly Loved’s Bible study based on the life of Sarai (Gen. 12-23) titled Becoming His Princess, releasing in the spring/summer of 2019. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves going on mall outings with her adult daughter and coffee dates with her hilariously fun husband. Visit her online at jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com.
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Originally published Tuesday, 05 May 2020.
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