God Desires Your Heart, Not Your Degree

God Desires Your Heart, Not Your Degree

Many people believe that their academic achievements or professional qualifications determine their worth in society. To them, a degree or a good job is the ultimate measure of success. Even in Christian circles, some people equate their spiritual growth with their educational attainments. They think that the more they know about God, the closer they are to Him.

But is that really what God desires from us? Does He care more about our academic credentials or our heart condition?

God Looks at the Heart

The Bible teaches us that when God chooses someone for a task, He does not look at their outward appearance, but at their heart (1 Samuel 16:7). In other words, God is not impressed by our academic degrees, our social status, or our wealth. He is interested in our character, our motives, and our relationship with Him.

For example, when Jesus called His disciples, He did not choose the most educated or influential people of His time. He picked ordinary fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots who had no formal religious training (Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:27-32). Jesus saw something in them that others did not see: a willingness to follow Him, a hunger for truth, and a love for God.

Similarly, when the apostles Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin for preaching the gospel, the members of the council were amazed at their boldness and knowledge, even though they were "unschooled, ordinary men" (Acts 4:13). The reason for their courage and wisdom was not their education or training, but their relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Knowledge Puffs Up, Love Builds Up

Does this mean that education and knowledge are unimportant? Not at all. In fact, God gave us the ability to learn and explore His creation, and He expects us to use our minds to glorify Him (Proverbs 1:5, Colossians 3:23). However, we must be careful not to let our knowledge puff us up with pride or make us think that we are better than others.

The apostle Paul warned the Corinthians about this danger, saying, "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God" (1 Corinthians 8:1-3).

Paul himself was a highly educated man, who had studied under the great Jewish teacher Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). However, he did not rely on his academic credentials to impress others or to gain favor with God. Instead, he considered them "rubbish" compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8).

Seek First the Kingdom of God

So, what should be our attitude towards education and career? Should we pursue them at all costs, or should we neglect them for the sake of spiritual growth?

The answer lies in Jesus' words: "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). In other words, our first and foremost priority should be to seek God's will and to obey Him, whatever the cost. This may involve getting a degree, pursuing a career, or starting a business, if that is what God has called us to do. Or it may involve giving up our ambitions and desires for the sake of serving others and spreading the gospel.

Jesus Himself set the example for us, by humbling Himself and becoming a servant, even though He was the Son of God (Philippians 2:5-8). He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

Our Identity in Christ

Finally, we must remember that our identity and worth come not from what we do or achieve, but from who we are in Christ. We are children of God, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and filled with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 4:4-7, Ephesians 1:7-8, Romans 8:9). We have been adopted into God's family, and we have an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading (1 Peter 1:3-5).

This means that even if we fail in our academic pursuits, or if we lose our job, or if we face rejection or persecution for our faith, we are still loved and accepted by God. We can find our security and joy in Him, and we can trust Him to provide for our needs and to guide us in His perfect will.

Conclusion

God desires our heart, not our degree. He wants us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). He wants us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and to trust Him to provide for all our needs (Matthew 6:33).

Whether we have a PhD or a high school diploma, whether we are CEOs or janitors, whether we are rich or poor, we are all equal in God's eyes. We are all sinners in need of grace, and we are all called to serve Him with humility, obedience, and love.

Let us, therefore, not boast in our achievements or qualifications, but in the cross of Christ, by which we have been crucified to the world, and the world to us (Galatians 6:14). Let us use our knowledge and skills to glorify God and to serve others, and let us always remember that our ultimate goal is not success, but faithfulness to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.