Today's society is crazy for credentials. Our school systems will not consider most candidates for an open superintendent position unless the individual has a Ph.D. or Ed.D. All principals must have a M.Ed. or M.A. in school administration. Christian denominations and even most independent churches require at least a M.Div. with the larger multi-pastored churches requiring the senior pastor to have a Ph.D. And the trend extends outside of education and churches.
We are obsessed with an individual's credentials! We want our politicians and departmental bureaucrats to have advanced degrees from the "best" universities. Somehow or somewhere our society has started to equate educational background with one's qualifications for the job. I submit this has done very little to improve the quality of education in the United States. But that is a debate for another day and another posting.
Emily and I have gone to see
"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" twice in less than a week. Each
time I am struck by the answer to a question posed to
Gandalf, The Grey. He replies to Lady Galadriel, "Saruman believes it
is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I
have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that
keep the darkness at bay... small acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo
Baggins? That's because I am afraid and it gives me courage."
While I will not usually seek out great theological truths from a work
of fiction, this quote does have a profound truth. The majority of the
fight against evil does not take place in the White House, Congress, or
even Supreme Court. Yet, most Americans are eagerly watching the 24 hour news channels as Congress again "kicks the can down the road" in an attempt to avoid dealing with our nation's continued over spending.
And what about the "great" men and women of history and our society? Do we really think that all of these individuals originally had profound credentials? Even the majority of "great" men of God came from humble
beginnings. The Rev. Billy Graham was a farmer's son in what was then rural North Carolina. Dr. John Munro and Rev. Loran Livingston, pastors of two of the largest churches in Charlotte, both grew up in humble settings. And yet, our society continues to hold that credentials are all important.
Why do I pose this question? Why do I pose this question on the doorstep of a new year? Because in the last few weeks, as we endeavor to honor Gabriel's memory by honoring and serving others; I am struck by a common theme. Most within the organizations with which we maintain contact continue to tell us that Gabriel's life had a profound impact on them and on a few of the organizations as a whole.
I have often spoken of Gabriel as my inspiration for many of the life choices I have made. And even my personal growth and career path were radically altered by Gabriel's life. While still getting very little sleep each night, I engaged in a M.Ed. program. I completed my M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis in Special Education just a five weeks before Gabriel went to be with Jesus. See, even I have to be conscious of credentials as I seek to honor Gabriel's memory with Gabriel's Sanctuary, Inc.
Why was Gabriel's life important? Why was his
multiple health issues and disabilities an important part of his life?
Gabriel forces each of us to slow down. Gabriel required gentle love and handling. He required patience. He required detailed planning. And he demanded our time to the exclusion of all other considerations. In short, everyone who cared for and loved Gabriel had to reach deep within ourselves to find a strength which is absent in many of our leaders today.
As the world approaches a new year and looks to "powerful" men for
leadership, perhaps our faith in them is misplaced. Perhaps we should be looking toward those who love and care for individuals with needs like Gabriel's! Perhaps, we should
be looking to the meek and mild!
Perhaps, we should be looking for the Christ child!
Glen
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