You started it!

Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human Resources person ask the recently college graduate, “What starting salary were you looking for?” 

The young man responded by saying, “In the neighborhood of $200,000 a year, depending on the benefits package.”

The HR person said, “Well, what would you say to a package of a 5 weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental coverage, company matching retirement to 50 percent salary and a company leased car every two years?” 

The graduate sat up in his chair with his mouth wide open and said, “Wow! Are you kidding me?” And the HR person responded and said, “Certainly I’m kidding, but you started it!” 

Many of us are just like that. We want to start at the top and work our way up from there.

As Christians, we are sometimes the same way. We want what’s at “the top” without going through what lies below. For example, we want patience and we want it now. But we don’t want the trials that develop patience. 

We had rather start at the top. James tells us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds. Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” 

(James 1:2-3) Have you prayed for patience lately? Do you expect God to give it to you immediately? And on top of that you’ll never have any problems in life at all. None! 

Everything will go smoothly. You will suffer no injustices, experience no heartaches, and never know what it means to fail. Are you kidding? Certainly. But you started it!