When I lost my job over four years ago, I applied for unemployment. When
called for an interview, I was put in a room with 20 others, and told we were
not your basic unemployed. We all had made large incomes, and wouldn't need to
be retrained. Although later history would prove that our jobs were gone
forever. In a room of 6 figure incomes, I would say it was safe we didn't sign
up for the money-I made more per day than UI paid per week. And in a room of
achievers, with quite impressive resumes, we were unhirable. Such a deal for
$450/week.
When I left Mercedes Benz, there were four of us making big bucks, and
doing a great job. Experience, knowledge, and being trusted by our customers
was the key to our success. But when I was told they could hire 2 1/2 people
for what they paid me, it was obvious it was about the bottom line. A kinder,
gentler type was needed, they thought, so they hired girls who worked at the
cosmetic counter at Nordstrom's, but had good customer skills. Polite guys with
ties out of college, and the rest of worked harder because of them. They were
given a small workload, about half of the industry standard, and were made to
look successful. I cannot tell you how many of their customers I got to remedy
the problems they couldn't solve or caused. But money talks, and a fast nickel
beat a slow dime. They never understood the values of the Mercedes Benz owner,
and even though the cars continued to break, you now had someone who really
cared-even though your car left the shop just as broken. And you wonder why
things don't work as they should? Or could?
When I wanted to get into ministry, God gave me a vision. But before I
decided to obey Him, I made a resume, and went on-line with various Christian
job searches. And was utterly disappointed, and disgusted. No one was looking
for a ministry to minister in-they were looking for a job. Father Al once told
me of a man who wanted to work for the Flight 93 Chapel. His dream. But lost
interest when he found out it had no pay, and no benefits. For he had no
vision, only a requirement of an income. Ask your pastor, what was his vision,
and what is it now?
Jesus encountered many like this in Matthew 25. Those who worked for the
church, but not the Kingdom. Who had great resumes of accomplishments, but fell
short in obedience to God. Who would brag to Jesus of what they did, only to be
told to be gone, that Jesus never knew them. See also Galatians 4:10. Where
their DD, men of the year status, perfect attendance, helping out at the church
were good things, God looked at the heart. Why did they do what they did? And
if really after God's own heart, why did they no obey what He asked? Just to
love-as He loved us, and to love our neighbors, and enemies as we love our
self. But how to do that? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give drink to the
thirsty, and visit those who are sick or in jail. Not much glory in that.
Except eternally. You see God isn't interested in what you accomplish, but in
your obedience. One of the hardest things I had to adapt to was what to do with
my time. I used to put 12 hours of effort into 8 every day, now I had free
time. To spend with God, after doing what He asked that day, but to get to know
Him better. Why go to seminary, when I could sit at the feet of the master?
Why know all the books of the Bible, when I knew the author on a first name
basis. You see, all the things we think are important, and worth boasting about
are just pride. God doesn't offer you rewards for your accomplishments, but
says "well done my good and faithful servant." Servants don't ask when, where,
how, or to whom to serve-they just serve. And Philippians tells us that Jesus
became a man to do what-serve!
He also says obedience is better than sacrifice. Why work hard, when you
can work smart? Did you ever see an ad promising a big income for working
smart? Maybe that was why I was put in the group at the UI office. We worked
smart. The rewards always came monetarily.
Do I miss the big income? Not really. The long hours, and nagging
bosses? No way. Today I get excited when I get a letter from one of the
inmates I equip, who equip others in prison. I get excited when those in the
hospital get released. When I see families reunited, and people turning their
lives around for Jesus. The things that really matter cannot be gauged by
dollars or sense.
Take a good look at your resume. It will not get you into heaven-only
Jesus will. But it may keep you out. Trust God, and obey God. The disciples
all were not qualified for what Jesus asked them to do, but in obedience they
changed the world. Now what are your qualifications, again...
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
