As a service manager with Mercedes Benz, we were always on the lookout for qualified technicians. And as the machines got more complex, so did the repairs. Experienced-read old school mechanics just didn't have the training, so we fell back on their Elite school for new techs. Here they had been schooled in all the latest developments, and got hands on experience with the Mercedes Benz automobile. And as part of their enrollment, a placement program was part of the deal. So at the end of each class, we would interview many young men in hopes of finding one that had what it takes. And we learned it was a manager beware market.
We had two hires that are memorable-only for the fact that auto repairs wasn't and isn't their calling. The first was a guy named Willie. Top 10% of his class, knew how to use the latest computer diagnostics, and came with a great recommendation from the teachers. So after interviewing him, decided to give him a chance, and a probationary period was agreed too. Learning experience one was when he showed up with only basic tools, and had to borrow them-not acceptable in the business. The second problem highlighted itself in that for even a simple brake pad replacement, he had to get out the books to research the procedure of how to do it. A simple pad replacement took over an hour-when he got it right. Even a slow tech took 25 minutes. And then it got worse, and one day when they called to check on him, I had to tell them the truth-he stunk! And when I got off the phone, and talked with him, he was a really nice guy, it came to me that his skin color got him through school. Willie was black, and in a trade where there aren't many black techs, they pushed him through. They thought they were doing him a favor. He had the book knowledge, and was a great guy, but later when I confronted the school about it, they admitted they made an exception for him-that he didn't really have what it takes. Which became evident when he had an $80,000 S class fall off his lift. They had done him no favor-in fact their reverse prejudice had done him a great injustice-he thought he was good, and had the grades and diploma to prove it-but when came time to prove it-couldn't, and didn't. I hope he learned quick and got into something else.
Another hire was a young guy named Hans. He was German and even looked like a European tech, complete with old style lab coat. Again the high praise from the school, so we hired him-even the owner said he reminded him of himself as a young man. And still recovering from the Willie debacle, we started him easy. And found his knowledge was exceptional, and for a few days we bragged how smart he was. Then we decided to put him to work. And it became evident he knew the names and parts, just not where they were. His shiny tools should have given it away, but it didn't. And when jokingly asked him, "have you ever worked on a car before?" answered "NO." He had never even done exercises in class, just all book knowledge. And in all future interviews a key question was asked up front, "tell me about your work experience and the hardest problem you solved."
It is possible in your Christian life that you are like to the two guys mentioned above. You may have sat in church, memorized verses, know all the kings, and been in Bible study for years. But never had the chance for true righteousness to be part of your life-as you never had a chance to show what you learned. You never got out and ministered. You may have even taught, but never had the chance to experience God first hand in a crisis-where you had to fall back on Him and not just His word. Where if He didn't intercede, you would fail. and it may even be a life or death situation. Even sadder is you may have encountered them, and passed the situation onto someone else-more qualified was your excuse, when God wanted you to be the one to minister in that situation. Or the ultimate disappointment-you know all about Jesus, but have never given your life to Him-you don't know Him personally.
Jimi Hendrix asked a generation 40 years ago, "have you ever been experienced?" Can you say the next line in the song, "well I have..." Do you know the things of God, but never been blessed by experiencing the righteousness that God gives when you follow Him? Ask Him today, and He will show you. But it takes trust, for we don't know what today will be like. But He does, so seek Him First. Know the reality of Jesus Christ by walking with Him. Only by using what you have learned and leaning on Him will you get to know him intimately, and find the true righteousness that is found in obedience. Seek Him and you will find, that unlike Willie and Hans, Jesus is not a career choice but a life choice. And we never stop learning, when we never stop yearning. He's one person I can highly recommend, and welcome in my shop of life anytime.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
