The Interview

It’s finally happened. I have an interview for a job that aligns with my experience and education! It’s my first interview since earning my two college degrees, and though it’s exciting, it’s also a bit nerve-wracking. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of having to prove your worth all while having to sit in the spotlight while being judged for every word you say. I don’t know about you, but for me, that’s quite scary. While interviews are necessary, for the most part, they aren’t enjoyable. I much prefer sitting on the hiring side of an interview, not on the applicant side.

As I was praying for the upcoming interview, I thought about Jesus being the one to interview me. Can you imagine if you had to sit down with Jesus while he interviewed you on your qualifications as it relates to your faith in Him? I know I would likely be full of anxiety sitting face-to-face with Jesus as He asked me question after question about my life experience in this world and how I’ve responded in faith. My lack of confidence would certainly come through in the responses because I know I fall short every single day (Romans 3:23). He would notice the fear and trembling in me, especially since it would be difficult to make eye contact.

I’m guessing many of us would choose not to sit down for an interview with Jesus, knowing that we are far from qualified to be given the responsibility of faith. I think many of us feel inadequate when it comes to living out our faith. In reality, most of us probably wouldn’t apply for a position in God’s Kingdom in the first place!

Thankfully, Jesus doesn’t interview us. He doesn’t require certain experience or qualifications for us to pursue Him. We don’t have to convince Him that we are a good fit to be on His team. No, He simply asks us to seek and follow Him.

I love this about Jesus. He knows we will come to Him with all of our imperfections, yet we’re still told to do the following:

BELIEVE: “Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent (John 6:29, NLT).”

SEEK: “For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened (Matthew 7:8, NLT).”

COME: “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light (Matthew 11:28-30, NLT).”

FOLLOW: “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me (Matthew 16:24, NLT).”

When we pursue Jesus, we can confidently sit at the table with Him as He invites us to meet His eyes, assuring us that we have a place in His Kingdom. The fear and trembling will begin to fade away as peace overflows. Then the focus becomes solely on Him rather than on ourselves. It doesn’t matter what we’ve done in the past, nor does it matter how many college degrees we have hanging on our walls. Our financial status in society has no merit and neither does our inexperience at being a disciple of Christ. The needed training in our faith journey will be given as we take each courageous step forward with Him. While the spotlight may still be on us, it can shine brightly of Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16).

Rather than fret and worry about my interview tomorrow, I will cling to His peace. I don't have to have all the right words figured out. I don't have to meet every qualification or have all the experience desired. I just need to be confident that no matter what the outcome is, I am still on the path Jesus has set before me. And that matters more to me than any job can offer me.

xo