Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God. (1 Timothy 1:4 NLT)

I am a third generation Salvation Army officer (minister). For three generations, my family has been sharing and showing the love of God in the places where they lived and were sent. Of those three generations, I am the only one who completed my education beyond high school. My grandfather encouraged my parents to go further and they both took many classes beyond high school. My parents encouraged me too further and I completed my college education and in the future, plan to complete my Masters.

While I believe there is value in furthering your education and value in family tradition, if it does not lead people to faith, then it is meaningless. My grandparents and my parents are effective ministers in the places where God sent them, even without the education that I have received. I am effective in the places where God has sent me with the education that I have received. My education and “spiritual pedigree” exists to serve God and His people. If anything, I believe that increased education and understanding only increases our responsibility to go where God sends us and to serve where God places us.

My gifts and abilities, and your gifts and abilities, exist for God and God alone.

Soli Deo Gloria!