Matthew 21:23 (NKJV)  Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?"

Think of the final week of Jesus' ministry. His exciting entry into Jerusalem. His courageous cleansing of the temple. His divine healing of the blind and the lame. In this passage, religious leaders challenge Jesus' qualifications. Jesus did not have an official degree from their seminary and had no desire to play their trivial politics. He did not dress like them, walk like them or talk like them. He was, to put it mildly, different.

Today's business world delights in the snobbery of credentials. We relish in our college degrees, certifications, licenses, impressive resumes, titles and LinkedIn profiles.   

Credentials can be very helpful and constructive, but far more important than man-made careers and credentials are God-given callings and gifts. If someone is called and gifted in a particular area, the fruitfulness of that calling and giftedness will be very obvious.

As a Christ follower, you have received the ultimate gift--eternal life in heaven--and you are called to share the Good News (2 Corinthians 5:17-20). It has nothing to do with having a degree from seminary or being clothed in a robe. When people in the workplace challenge your authority to share the Gospel, tell them it comes from the same God who gave Jesus authority over 2,000 years ago. Jesus didn't allow bureaucratic bullies to put him into the bondage of inferiority, and neither should you. You are complete in Christ!

Let’s think about and discuss these questions:

1. What do you think is the main basis for the qualification and ability of Christians to share the Gospel?

2. Have you ever been questioned for sharing the Gospel in the workplace? How did you respond?

3. What do you think is the proper way for Christians to share the Gospel with others in the workplace?