“Surely we do not need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you or from you, do we? You yourselves are our letter. . .known and read by all.” (2 Corinthians 3:1-2) After Paul left Corinth, people came in who made every effort to undermine his authority. “Did he bring letters of recommendation when he came?” they said in private conversation. (A familiar ancient tradition) “Did he ever show you his credentials?” they whispered. Ridiculous. The church itself was Paul’s letter of recommendation. The fact that they exisited at all was proof of God’s call in his life and his courage to obey the leadership of the Spirit. Modern believers should evaluate ministers in similar fashion. Not ordination. Not seminary training. Spiritual life and progress in the lives of people is sufficient proof of God’s calling. It is a letter that everyone reads, and should. In difficult days, sheep should remember what they are now a product of the shepherd’s care.
