This number might surprise you.  We all intend to do a great job in our chosen areas of ministry, but for some of us, we are keenly aware of our lack of advanced education.  This sometimes causes us to have diminished confidence in our abilities.  We feel that with just a little more education we can then be all that we were meant to be.

It’s not that we are not willing; it’s just that we feel we are not ready.

So, how many degrees does it take before we feel secure in doing those great things God has placed in our hearts?  Is the answer at least one; an Associates degree?  Or is it more than one including a Bachelors degree or a Masters degree, or a Doctorates degree?  Is the answer one, two or more?

My answer is 98.  Yes, 98 degrees!   You see, 98 degrees is the average temperature of a living human being.  If you are reading this you can rest assured that you’ve met the minimum.  With 98 degrees, a willing mind and ready hands there is no limit to what we can do.

With just 98 degrees, men and women have changed the course of history.   We need not look any further than the story of the disciples.  These were men taken from ordinary walks of life.  But when these “unschooled” men wholeheartedly united with a greater power than their own, catching a greater vision than their own, there was no limit to their usefulness and effectiveness.

I strongly believe in the importance of higher education; however, a lack of a formal education does not equal a lack of brilliance, potential or ability.  Formal education combined with our God-given gifts will enable us to widen our sphere of usefulness.  With or without a higher education, today, there is something for you to do.

 “And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?

 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.”  Matthew 20: 6, 7

Today, God is saying to each one of us, “Go”.  If you don’t have all of the formal education you would like to have…just go!  If you feel like the time is not right…just go!  If you feel that you don’t have the right connections or know the right people…just go!  If your past indicates that you are prone to making mistakes…just go!  If you think someone else is better qualified to live your dreams…just go!

Congratulations, you’ve met the minimum requirement for life’s graduation with your 98 degrees.  Now that graduation is over what are you waiting for?