Professionalism and Credibility

In our discussion about how professionalism builds credibility, I thought of Paul before King Agrippa. In the record, we learn that Paul was professional in the way in which he presented his speech before the king, so much so that at the end of his testimonial the king pronounces, "This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds" (Acts 26:31).  This statement by a King is diametrically opposed to the argument made by Festus, who thinks Paul to be, "mad because of much learning" (Acts 26:24), to which Paul professionally answers that he is not mad, but full of truth and soberness (Acts 26:25). Paul here exemplifies professionalism here by following the rules and commands of those in authority, and in return for following his professionalism, he was able to build credibility with King Agrippa, to the point that Agrippa proclaims, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" (Acts 26:28). Following such an outline can bring about success in the lives of those who seek to build credibility as well. When we follow professionalism, we build credibility and are able to then persuade and present our ideas to those in higher positions of authority because we are willing to follow the rules of the trade.