Broad meadows

There was a very wealthy man who had built a vast enterprise. He was very creative and one day he came up with an idea that would revolutionize his business. While he had many competent and loyal employees this would require additional help. The man prized things like loyalty, integrity and general trustworthiness as well as competence and diligence.

The first person he interviewed scoffed at the man and his idea. The second looked at the list of qualifications required and said that though he had none of these, he should be hired anyway. A third person interviewed and he said that he didn’t meet the qualifications, but if they had a training program that he would be eager to learn. The man continued interviewing as many people as he could. Most of the people said the right things, but the man thought to himself, “This project is too important to leave this to chance, so how can I be sure I’ve got the right people?”

So the man brought in as many of the people that would come for a series of tests that measured not just ability, but also integrity. The tests weeded out those disingenuous applicants from those he could rely on and the project went on to be a great success.

Who would you hire and why?

In the parable of the talents, Jesus makes it clear he has given to each what they need to come to him and produce the fruit of the kingdom (Matthew 25:14-30). Jesus said “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:10

If you feel like your life is a series of tests and trials, you’re not wrong. God uses a variety of tests and trials (and He allows temptation) in the life people not because He doesn’t know how you will react, but so that you understand what kind of person you are and to illustrate your need. If we look at the Ten Commandments as our list of qualifications for service, it becomes clear that none of us are qualified for service in the kingdom of heaven, but in Christ, God declares that He will train you, though we’re not qualified. Be willing to learn from Him.