from the archives
I have often felt that I work for God, which isn’t entirely wrong, but also not entirely correct.
I have awoken far too many mornings feeling like I need to put on my interview suit and best shoes in order to gain access to God.
I have positioned Him as the ultimate employer, who is only willing to hire me if my resume is exceptional. Do I have all of the necessary credentials to apply for the job of Christian? And not just Christian, but “super Christian”?
I list all of my qualifications before God. I tally my moments of service, my hours of reading the Word, my number of disciples.
Then, I submit my spiritual resume to God.
I can adequately tell God why others are less qualified than me for the job. “So-and-so has only been a believer for 5 years. Whereas I have 13 years of Christian work history.”
I have discipled many women, led people to Christ, served in children’s ministry even when I haven’t wanted to. I am qualified. I am capable. I deserve the promotion.
I begin to feel satisfied in the fact that the length and depth of my Christian walk affords me a certain level of security, recognition, and importance.
Jesus laughs. “The first among you shall be last.”
I still desperately try to earn my place in his company. I still seek out ways to impress my boss. Anything I can add to the resume is worthwhile–a Bible study, a mission trip, a class on becoming a “better” Christian.
It all feels impressive. It all seems important…
…but Jesus shakes His head. “Blessed are the humble, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven…”
Again, I submit my resume, certain that He will recognize my skill set and my ability to adapt. However, it again proves futile.
My mind reels and I become frustrated, feeling slighted and overlooked. He is gracious, though, and comes to me. He reminds me again of His Word.
He reminds me of what God truly desires on our so-called resume. He is not interested in our accomplishments, but our character.
He chooses the least of us to fill the position:
Moses, a murderer and a runaway who was no public speaker, chosen to proclaim and lead millions to freedom.
Joseph, the youngest brother betrayed, thrown in a pit, locked in prison, then made God’s spokesman.
David, the youngest and smallest of many strong brothers. The least obvious choice, yet the next king.
Esther, a young girl plucked from her ordinary life to be made queen and save her people.
It goes on and on…God chooses us based upon His qualifications, not ours. He desires brokenness not haughtiness, faithfulness not financials, weakness that He may be glorified, not strength in ourselves.
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
My own qualifications fall short. It is His blood that makes me worthy of any position in His Kingdom. My spiritual resume is empty, in light of His saving grace.
All I need to write on my resume is simple: follower and friend of the One, empowered by the Holy Spirit, God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for me to do.
Are you guilty of ever building your spiritual resume with so-called Christian activity? Where, however, has God used your weakness to glorify Himself?
