interview.

Yesterday I had a phone interview for a position I have wanted since I was a freshman in college...it was for my ideal position at my ideal place of employment. Today I woke and checked my email, same as I do everyday. I received an email indicating that I will not be moving along further in the interview process. To some degree, I was stunned. I know my qualifications, skills and work ethic, my drive, that I am about as hardworking as they come and then probably 10x more than that...that I take initiative and am a self-starter and go-getter. That if you want someone who will perform a good job, than you should not hire me...only hire me if you want an exceptional worker who has a track record and professionalism that will go beyond the expected. As I reflect on the interview, two thoughts come to my mind...I was nervous because I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform, and second that perhaps (based on the questions I was asked) I was perceived as being more liberal and conflicting with their traditional views. Little do they know, I am not liberal whatsoever. That despite I believe everyone is made in the image of God and loved by him as his created being, that sin is sin and should not be condoned. But, if Christians are not willing to engage loving others who may be different then them and are redeemable, we fail to show the love of Christ and miss opportunities for redemption.

It made me think too, about how my older sister applied during her time as a student at this academic institution for a job as a RA. She did not receive the position because she, and I quote, "was the ideal candidate." Apparently she was too ideal for her answers to be real.

Knock, knock...real people exist who do speak honestly and may be ideal, because, simply put...they are. I hope that my life reflects that. That I would live a life that when it is finished, people would look back and be able to say here is someone who gave up being conventional and pursuing money, fame, admiration, gratification, praise, self-acclimation, and instead pursued God. I think a lot of times we live our lives running after the wrong things...to be looked up to, to achieve certain respect or praise from others, or positions that make us feel important, when really what matters is just being true to yourself and your relationship with God. In the end, it doesn't matter how many books you've written or people who have looked up to you, its just did you live and love God and love others the way God loves them. If you're a Christian, did you tell anyone about Jesus? If not, why not? Was it unconventional? In a world that says you can show people Christ's love through your actions, (and I agree), did you tell anyone about Christ? Did you claim to be a good person because you are, that's what your church is about, and what Christ would want you to do, or did you point to Christ who gives you even the capacity to love? I think some churches these days are marching in the wrong direction...serving to be more like Christ by doing more service. And it's great, it's a great thing to do more. But where is your heart in your service? Are you truly wanting to serve? Are you serving to be more like Jesus would want you to be or because your life has been transformed to the place where you are naturally compelled to serve? I think there's a shift that happens when we realize life should be less about ourselves and more about others...even those different from us.

Okay, that is a long tangent and perhaps an unnecessary one. I get opinionated sometimes, but at least I have an opinion.