As Americans we are overly impressed with titles. A Captain is better than a lieutenant, and no one is just an MD, they need PCMD, LLC, or MACS, or who knows what else beside their name to out title their fellow doctors. It is found in every profession, I would say it is safe to say there are a group of janitors that below to an elite group of mop swingers, so get a better rate and their fellow janitors are impressed.
Just a few years ago having an MBA meant something, now it doesn't even get you a better place in line at the unemployment office. And I believe this whole subculture is one of the things wrong today. Selling titles. A sub culture that invaded our businesses, telling them that being accredited, or certified, or ASE certified made you a better employee. True, it may make you a better employee, but does it make you do your task better? Today you can even get degrees through the internet, without even going into a classroom, or interacting with others. I have hired techs who never worked on cars, and have interviewed those with degrees, but had no deductive reasoning to back up their education. Think you know it all? Right click and see if your problem goes away. Google that! It seems we have been invaded by the pride police, and they are the only ones who don't have to be accredited-just be sure you can never match up to their education, experience, or background. But they will sell you a course so you can get close.
Before I left Land Rover, one of the biggest jokes as far as product and organization-four corporate owners in less than 14 years, they wanted all of us to be certified. To become versed in Land Rover history, and know all about the product. To at least know as much as the poor sucker who bought one, and got his education via the owners manual while waiting for the tow truck. What part of never again didn't he understand? So we all had to go through a certification program. Except only two people actually did-they took all the tests online for us, while we kept the dealership running. Just sign here Mike, you are a certified Land Rover know it all-impressed? Except I knew nothing except hands on-although I did write 42% of the business, while only working 10 months! While others were busy earning a star on their business card, I was earning a living! And the saddest thing was our dealership got congratulated by Land Rover for having so many of our employees certified-thanks Neal and Jeff, who spent, or wasted almost two weeks taking all our tests. All the employees except for those two cheated! Which leads me to ask-where is the integrity in the system? How can you trust someone who earned the certification falsely?
Did Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, or Bill Gates pass a certification? Did Obama?
I love talking with clergy types who have a DD at the end of their name. A degree in religion, but not necessarily one in salvation. You cannot earn or learn your salvation, it is a gift. And when I first was out of work went on Christian websites looking for Christian work. Although I have taught, written, worked with homeless, and been in ministry, I had no degree-and therefore no credibility. Being born again was not a requirement to teach about Jesus, but where and where in your class you graduated with was. And the more degrees the better. Did Paul, Peter, John, or any other apostle have certification? Did Jesus?
To effectively minister first be available. No degree or certification needed-just be born again and in the spirit. God gives wisdom, and the words needed as they are needed. And you can't beat Him as an advisor. Or His book, the Bible as a guide, reference book, or way to lead your life. No other existential discourse by some noted theologian needed. I love it when some try to impress me with their library list, but don't include the Bible in it.
So next time you have a problem, go right to Jesus. No appointment needed. You may find some well titled, certified people there with you-waiting in line to see Him. Some may know about Him, and have the degree to prove it-but nothing beats knowing Him personally. Your name written in the book of life-the only certification that matters to God-and the only one that should matter to you!
No one can take it for you, and no one can take it away! No renewal dates, or retests. Or lines, tuition, or graduating exercises. No payments. He paid it all, just seek Him, and join the family of certified, born again, going to heaven with Jesus Christians.
His title-God. And He calls you friend-can you beat that title?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com