5:115 – Reference Check

#faithbites #faithjourney reference

Intro

This afternoon, I was conducting reference checks for potential hires at work. A reference check is interesting and awkward at times depending on the questions and the people giving information. Sometimes it’s a great conversational you get what you need. Other times, it’s a challenge to get to the root of what you need to know.

When we ask people to serve as a reference it can be challenging as we don’t know exactly what they will say. Did we ask the right people? Do they have the right gravitas to help us get the job? A big thing for me is, are people telling me the truth about what they think about me or are they telling me what I want to hear? I hope so

Quesitons

• If you asked someone to be your reference, what would they say?
• If God was your reference, what would he say?

Scripture

• Isaiah 1:18 – “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
• 1 Peter 5:10-11 – ¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ¹¹ To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
• Psalm 15:2 – He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart.

Reflection

We should know what others think about us. We may not care but we should know. This comes from being honest with yourself, asking your friends, and reflecting on what they have said.

Our friends should also be a positive reference for us. They know who we are and they should speak the life into us about our shortcomings. They do this in private, where we can grow together.

God is our father and loves us no matter what. If he were to be a reference, he would say we are sin free and perfect, as Jesus wiped us clean for our sins and they are no more. This is how he sees us and how we should see ourselves. Clean, pure, and loved people.

As we close, remember that your father will always give you a good reference as you are made pure through Christ. Also, remember, if you are ever in doubt, go to your friends, in humility, and ask for them to speak life into you.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for making us clean in the eyes of your father. Thank you for allowing him to give an honest and true reference because you made us clean. Lord, we pray that you help others speak truth into us and help us see ourselves through their eyes. At the same time, help us to temper that with how God sees us. We pray for this to help us grow with truth and understanding that only you can provide. Amen.