The Greatest Credential You Can Carry: “They Had Been With Jesus”

The Greatest Credential You Can Carry: “They Had Been With Jesus”

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” — Acts 4:13 (ESV)

In a world constantly measuring success by degrees, job titles, and LinkedIn endorsements, it’s easy to feel like we’re not enough. But tucked away in the book of Acts is a stunning reminder of what truly matters in the eyes of God—and in the eyes of a watching world.

Peter and John had just performed a miracle: healing a man who had been lame from birth. When summoned before the highest religious authorities of their day, they responded not with timid apologies but with bold proclamations of faith. The ruling elite were astonished. Not because these men were scholars or seasoned leaders—they were uneducated, common men. What set them apart?

One thing: They had been with Jesus.

Presence Over Prestige

Author A.W. Tozer once wrote, “The man who would truly know God must give time to Him.” Peter and John’s confidence didn’t come from their credentials; it came from their connection with Christ.

This verse should encourage anyone who has ever felt underqualified, overlooked, or ordinary. The power of your witness doesn’t come from your pedigree. It comes from your proximity to Jesus.

One of my favorite historical examples of this truth is D.L. Moody. Moody had little formal education and was often mocked for his poor grammar. Critics said he wasn’t qualified for ministry. Yet God used him to lead thousands to Christ and start schools, churches, and missions. Why? Because his life radiated time spent with Jesus. As one British minister famously said, “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him.”

Living This Out in Everyday Life

So what does this mean for those of us working in offices, ministries, or homes?

1. Your quiet time with Jesus changes your workday.

Whether you’re managing spreadsheets, replying to emails, or caring for children, your connection to Christ should be your most valuable asset. People may not notice your résumé, but they’ll notice your peace, your kindness, your calm in the storm.

2. Boldness doesn’t come from personality—it comes from presence.

You don’t need to be loud to be bold. True spiritual boldness comes from knowing who you’ve been with. Spend time in His Word, in prayer, in worship—and you’ll find strength to speak truth, stand firm, and love well.

3. Let your life make people wonder.

Acts 4:13 says the people recognized that Peter and John had been with Jesus. That word sticks with me. What if the people in our lives—coworkers, neighbors, even strangers—could recognize something different in us? Not because we preached at them, but because the aroma of Christ lingers on those who walk closely with Him (2 Corinthians 2:15).

Some practical things once can do every day.


1. Create a “Time With Jesus” Corner



  • Designate a small space in your home or office with a Bible, journal, and a candle or cross.
  • Make it a daily habit—even 10–15 minutes—to sit in that space and be still before the Lord.
  • Physically retreating to a set place helps train your body and mind to slow down and focus on Christ.


2. Carry a Reminder Object



  • Carry something small in your pocket or wear a simple bracelet or ring that reminds you to reflect Christ.
  • Every time you touch or see it, whisper a prayer like, “Lord, help me reflect You today.”



3. Handwrite a Scripture Card



  • Write Acts 4:13 or another favorite verse on an index card and place it on your desk, dashboard, or bathroom mirror.
  • Make it visible in a spot where others might even ask about it—sparking natural conversations about your faith.



4. Practice a “Pause and Pray” Rhythm at Work



  • Set a phone reminder 2–3 times during the day to pause for just 30 seconds to pray and ask:
    • “Am I acting like someone who has been with Jesus?”
    • “Lord, help me reflect Your peace and kindness.”


5. Give a “Jesus-Inspired” Encouragement Note



  • Write one handwritten note this week to a coworker or friend, encouraging them with something you’ve seen God do in them.
  • Bonus: Don’t sign your name—let it be an anonymous blessing.


6. Fast from Noise



  • Try a morning or lunch break without music, podcasts, or screens. Just sit in silence with your Bible or in prayer.
  • Silence is countercultural—but deeply formational in helping us be present with Christ.

7. Serve Someone Unexpected



  • Buy lunch for a struggling coworker, help clean up someone else’s space, or offer to pray with someone in need.
  • Let your actions speak before your words. People will wonder, “What makes them different?”

8. Journal a “Recognition List”



  • At the end of each day or week, write down one moment where you think someone could have “recognized you had been with Jesus.”
  • This fosters intentional living and deep self-reflection.


9. Engage in a Spiritual Friendship



  • Choose one person in your workplace or church to meet with regularly (weekly or monthly) for prayer and spiritual encouragement.
  • Mutual accountability helps keep the presence of Jesus fresh in our lives and work.




A Final Thought

You don’t have to be extraordinary for God to use you. You just need to be with Jesus. In the end, the greatest credential you can carry isn’t a degree, a title, or a perfect track record. It’s His presence.

So here’s the question I’m asking myself—and maybe you can too:

Would anyone recognize that I’ve been with Jesus?

Prayer:

Lord, I don’t want to rely on my own strength or achievements. Let me be known as someone who has simply been with You. Shape my words, my work, and my witness through time spent in Your presence. Use my ordinary life for Your extraordinary purposes. Amen.






About the author:

Roy Joshua is a global ministry leader, educator, and communicator with over 20 years of experience in cross-cultural discipleship, theological instruction, pastoral ministry, and spiritual formation. He has served in a variety of leadership roles across nonprofit organizations, churches, and international ministry initiatives. Roy currently serves as an adjunct faculty instructor and mentors emerging Christian leaders around the world. His work includes raising awareness for persecuted Christians and equipping the global Church to respond with faith, courage, and compassion.

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