The Real Interview (Matthew 18:32-35)

Through the years, I have had the opportunity to interview many people for a variety of positions. With each interview candidate comes a resume and letters of recommendation. These are reviewed in advance of the interview and may be used to further select out promising candidates. But at some point, I must make the decision to interview the candidate.

With most candidates, the actual interview is very revealing and if all seems well, the decision to make a job offer is next. However, once the candidate reaches this point, there is one last step I do; I interview my staff and ask them what was their interaction and impressions of the candidate. I have learned as much, if not more, from my staff interviews than the actual candidate interview. Although one would intuitively think a candidate would be very obeisant to my staff, I have encountered several who were less than cordial, even rude, saving any polite and respectful attitude for me alone. And that is a huge mistake. If a candidate cannot treat others, whom they may perceive as either their equal or inferior, with respect, then I know where their true heart and attitude lies. They are not team players and do not belong in my company.

Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.
Matthew 18:32-35 (NKJV)

In this passage, Jesus reminds us God is always aware of our true motives. The master had just forgiven the wicked servant a massive debt, perhaps the equivalent of millions in today’s dollars. And yet, after been forgiven, the servant turns around and demands payment of a debt of a few dollars from another servant. When that servant could not pay the wicked servant, he imprisoned him. When word got back to the master about the bad behavior of the wicked servant, he no longer extended his mercy to him and delivered him to be punished.

God does not need to interview us. He knows the true nature of our heart and He knows our motives. Be honest with your relationship with God. Confess your sins because He is faithful and just to forgive you.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.