βThou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.β β II Tim. 2:1,2
If we were to ask the average Christian to write down what they expect in a spiritual leader the list would probably read something like this: A man of God must have completed college and seminary. He should be eloquent and be able to articulate his thoughts well, enthusiastic, insightful, creative, and have a good sense of humor. In addition, he should not have too many shortcomings, and be well dressed.
Interestingly, just the opposite was true of the spiritual leaders found in the Scriptures. Most of the giants of the faith in biblical times were unlearned and ignorant men by the worldβs standard. The Bible is a whoβs who of shortcomings: Noahβs drunkenness, Mosesβ speech impediment, Davidβs adulterous ways, Peterβs denials, Paulβs repulsive appearance, etc. Nevertheless, God used these souls mightily to the pulling down of strongholds. As it has been said, βGod took a handful of nobodies and made somebodies in His sight.β
While we are an advocate of higher education, intellectualism is not a prerequisite to be used of the Lord. God has accomplished great things through those who merely had a willing heart. source
