I guess we all at some time have been for an interview, maybe for a University or college course, maybe a job interview, maybe to the bank manager to ask for a loan! Just think how you prepared for that interview. The application form was diligently filled in; you used your neatest handwriting on the form and on the envelope. You awaited eagerly and with some impatience for the reply to come and hoped above all that they would select you for the interview. After all, you had made sure that the attributes and skills they looked for were mentioned in your application form, you must stand a good chance!
Then the letter arrives and with excitement, you learn that you have an interview. The day finally comes and you dress for the part, not a hair out of place, you really want to succeed. You arrive for your interview in plenty of time; you pay full attention to questions asked and reply as carefully as you can. After all, you want to be the candidate who succeeds.
Now we are all candidates in a sense for the Kingdom of God. That same level of effort we put into an interview, are we putting it day by day into preparing for the return of the Lord Jesus? Are we striving to keep our garments clean by maintaining the highest scriptural standards? Are we preparing our minds through the word to know what is required of us, to develop those characteristics that Jesus will look for when we appear before him?
At an interview, a skilled interviewer will quickly show up a candidate’s lack of knowledge or skill, the outward appearance or untruths mentioned on our application form will not deceive for long. I once had a nurse I interviewed for a post who on the application form claimed skills and experience that they had obtained during their career. A few choice questions and a scenario to discus soon showed up a distinct lack of knowledge. Another candidate who did not claim to posses a similar level of knowledge or experience got the post. Why? Because they showed the attitude of mind that was willing and was able to learn.
The point is that we are not perfect, not one of us. We are all the sort of candidate that in human terms would be totally unfit for such a position as a place in the royal household of God. In reality we are not fit for the most menial role in the kingdom, we are but dust and our garments far from clean.
BUT, and it's a big BUT, if we have strived to be not only saints (separated ones), but worthy followers of the Lord Jesus; "hating even the garment spotted by the flesh". If we have sought to maintain the high standard set before us in the Word. If we have remembered that now is the day of small things that are within our abilities to accomplish, then we shall not be discouraged. God will not ask more from us than He knows we can bear and great indeed is His mercy. What do we read:
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
All that is asked for is that we be patient and persist, not giving up, but doing our best to obey the commandments of our Master and trusting in the mercy of our God - faith being proved by it's works. Thus Paul writes:
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
and the promise:
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life. Romans 2:7
The Kingdom age draws ever closer, our faith will soon be turned to sight, let us therefore strive diligently to be worthy 'candidates' to enter into the Kingdom age.
Andy P.