What I Look for Most in a New Employee

Scripture: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Observation: The point of the entire book of Proverbs—that fearing God is the beginning of knowledge—is contrasted by a second statement, that those who despise wisdom are fools. Perhaps the core thing I have learned in the last few decades is how often people despise knowledge. They despise knowledge when they refuse to learn, when they stop growing, when they keep doing things their own way, when they ignore counsel, when they think they know it all. In other words, when they have lost teachability. In fact, teachability just might be my most prized trait when I am hiring someone. With it, there is not necessarily the guarantee of success, but without it, there is 100% chance of failure. I want people who never stop coming to God and others to learn and grow.

Application: I need to be teachable today on our staff retreat. One thing I am asking God for is the proper balance of confidence. I do not want to be so determined that I come off as dictatorial, but I also do not want to be so consensus-minded that I give no direction. I need God’s wisdom to know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em today. Fearing God is the beginning of this balance.

Prayer: God, I yield control today to you. Would you guide me and grant me wisdom to lead this retreat? I need your spirit whispering in my ear to speak or be silent. To know the right questions. To listen and learn, and to know when to decide. I pray for all of our pastors today as well, that our number one desire would be to fear God and from that would spring a thirst for wisdom.

He Did Not Save Himself

Scripture: He saved others; let him save himself…If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself! … Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us! Luke 22:35,37,39

Observation: Jesus deliberately chose to not save himself at the cross. He would not save himself to prove a point. He would not save himself to confirm his identity. He would not save himself to stop his pain. He would not save himself to stop the suffering of others. Jesus Christ was committed to the Father’s will, and just because he could save himself did not mean he would. His focus was to do the will of his father.

Application: As someone who likes to fix things, I am often tempted to “save myself” in many situations. To prove that I was right, to say I told you so, to exercise my authority, or to maintain control. And in many cases, I have the power to do so. But just because I can does not mean I should. I need to be crystal clear on what my Father’s will is, and do that. Saving myself in this way cannot trump his plans. Knowing God’s will helps me maintain focus and gives me freedom from the need to save myself. I can do what he said and let the jeers, the suffering, the consequences go. They are not my job to fix.

Prayer: God, help me keep my eye on the ball, to know when to stand and when to submit. To not be concerned about the opinions of others, or try to save myself. My salvation in a situation is not my job, it is yours. My job is to do the will of my father who has sent me. So help me know what that is. Thank you for the utter commitment of Christ upon the cross. He was able to save me because he did not save himself.

Who is Worthy?

Scripture: And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”… “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy…” Luke 7:4,6

Observation: Luke 7 seems to deal with the issue of worth. Jewish officials believe a centurion is worthy for Jesus to do him a favor. When Jesus comes near, the centurion waves him off by saying, “I am not worthy.” John sends word to Jesus asking if he is worthy to be the one they have waited for. An unworthy woman washes Jesus’ feet, while the religious people watch on and comment on her unworthiness. Jesus rebukes the generation for failing to recognize his worth.

Application: It seems Jesus brings a different idea of worth to the conversation. People value worth by conformity, accomplishment, adherence to expectations. Jesus values worth by humility, child-like faith, personal recognition of sin, and going in peace. Which value system mirrors mine?

Prayer: God, I confess I am more impressed by accomplishment than humility. I ascribe worth to getting it done over being at peace with God and others. I’m not sure I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness (Ps 84). Help me today to value what you value, and give worth to what you deem worthy.