No Experience Required

This week I asked a dental assistant how long she had worked in the dental field. "26 years," she replied. "College . . . or fresh out of high school?" I probed. "Just out of high school." My quiz continued. "Where did you get your training?"

"Well, I answered an ad in the paper: 'Dental assistant with experience or a graduate from dental school. Apply in person.' So I filled out some forms at his office, and was interviewed by the doctor." Her smile took an a wry twist, "When the doctor came to the experience part of the application, he read it as a question, 'NONE?'  'Didn't you read the ad?' he asked sharply.  Bravely I offered a YES. 'Then why did you come in?'"

Then it was her turn to go for the jugular . . . or nerve root . . . or whatever dental assistants go for. "I thought you might like to meet someone who is eager to learn and work," she started. "You know, someone you can personally train the way you want, whose mind is not cluttered with bad habits or another dentist's techniques."

My visit-friend said she left his office not knowing if she had homered or struck out. Two days later the doctor called, "You've got the job." She stayed with him until he retired.

The wise dentist obviously read the never-published book, What Would Jesus Do?  Namely, recruit some guys with no experience in the messiah industry, having never attended a messiah theological school or had their minds cluttered with the liberal, traditional, progressive or political philosophies of their day. No skulls full of rabbinical or empire mush. No experience required, but willing to learn, willing to work, and willing to stay until the boss retires.

Not only did their Messiah extend his work beyond his retirement - on a cross - so did all but one of the guys he recruited. John, one of the inexperienced applicants, wrote some 68 years later, "On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit." [Rev. 1:10] He still set apart that Jesus-honoring day. And quoting his employer, "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." [Rev. 2:10]  John was still faithful, even through near death experiences.

For us today: No previous experience required, but once you apply for the job - commit yourself to listening, learning, loving, living and leading until the end. This life commitment you have made with the Lord is renewed every Lord's Day in the Lord's Supper.