Witnessing, the hard way…

Today I spoke with X. He had applied for a job and during the interview a question arose about integrity and professionalism. The conversation went well and he felt “at home” in the conversation, so he gave an honest answer:

X replied that he is a Christian and that integrity is such a crucial part of his belief in God, and therefore more than normal. He was also asked what he did in his free time, and he said that he enjoys serving society through his church.

The feedback from the potential employer? They thought it was so inappropriate that he shared it like that. They felt that his ability to do his job might now be compromised because of his beliefs and that he might be a “religion nut” in the office. X therefore did not get the job and was rejected for that reason.

X was quite upset. On the application form, he also had to tick whether he stands for diversity, and he had done so. But unfortunately… rejected for the above reason. To top it all off, he also had a car accident on his way back. What a day.

In all honesty, I always find the above answers quite “empty” and when people give me such an answer, it is of no use to me at all. It doesn’t encourage me, it discourages me.

What have we been able to share with X? Yes, we started letting him know that we would also consider that an awful experience if this happened to us. What he feels (anger, disappointment, confusion) is not strange from a human point of view. But…. and now it comes:

In that job interview, X was able to testify what his life with God looks like. That God is not just a “Sunday thing”, but way more. God gives him integrity, gives him the energy and the will to do something for society. The God of X is not a God that only exist on paper, but He is a living God. What a testimony X was to this employer!

Perhaps you also know this Bible verse? It may be a strange Bible verse, but get this..

Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.

John 15:20

It may sound strange, but how proud we are of X and of what he has done for God’s glory. Very proud. And yes, the world is a very sick place where religious freedom and freedom of expression are under heavy pressure, but we are so proud of X that he did not keep quiet about what he stands for. Someone who is not afraid to share his faith with others, as the bible instructs us to do.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Romans 1:16

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

2 Timothy 4:2

Did we already mention that we are extremely proud of what X has done?

And perhaps from a human perspective, thank God he didn’t get that job. It doesn’t sound like a divine or good place to be if that’s how they treat you. Yes, not getting the job could be a financial problem, but suppose… they had said “we will give you the benefit of the doubt and give you the job, even though we can’t stand behind what you said, blah blah”. Could X have ever really felt at home there? A safe and good place? I do not think so.

And now? Take a look at this Bible verse: (and again, this may also be a strange Bible verse for you, but let’s read it)

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:11-12

God will reward X for what he did today. And that’s a huge promise. That is an eternal reward, not a monthly pay slip that is gone within 3 weeks….

But what are you going to do with the person and company that rejected you? Legally, you could sue them? (depending on the country you live in) But get this:

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 

Romans 12:19

And that’s not good news for the interviewer… that’s very bad news. That means that God himself takes revenge for you. Eternal Revenge. When you realize what that means… and God also fulfills that promise… then it is time to start praying very hard for those people. Pray that God will open their hearts and ears so that they will repent. They heard, through X, who God is and how God changes lives. They can never say “I didn’t know” because X told them… but if they don’t repent and come to God… wow… just wow… “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

So don’t be angry, feel sorry for them and pray. Hard.

Finally, we ended with this Bible verse, after this, humanly speaking, not such a great day:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

X, you’re doing great! We hope and pray that this is a lasting encouragement to you. And how proud we are of you.

And you know what? Give this a thought: maybe it wasn’t all about the earthly job today..but all about the Godly job X did for God. Testifying about all He is for X and wants to be for others? Mmmhhhhh…

And X did a great job! And the devil wasn’t happy about it…and tried to make his day miserable with a car accident?

Just give it a thought.

X did a GREAT job for God’s glory. It’s an honor to have X as a Godly family member, and I would love to shake his hand when we’re at the pearly gates.