Qualifying degree: Walking with the King

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13 ESV)

When I find myself being concerned with accolades, rewards, and status, Acts 4:13 reminds me that God uses the willing, submitted heart not the "so called" gifted brain, though He can us the gifted brain that is submitted to Him. The Scriptures, contrary to the church in the Westen world, present to us men who were uneducated yet used to lay the foundation of the church. What does this mean to us? God is less concerned, if not unconcerned, with degrees and accolades. His expectation is that His people have submitted hearts to His purposes, pursues His kingdom, and thus walks obediently with Jesus. Elders, pastors, and overseers, we must train and lead our people to understand that we are all ministers. The qualifying characteristic of such is a changed heart, a submitted will, and surrendered life which walks with Jesus.