A WORD TO THE WISE: Proverbs 27: 2 "References Matter"

Proverbs 27: 2     Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.

Proverbs 27: 2.  References matter. 

One of my tasks on my secular job is to review applications and conduct interviews for open positions. 

All of our applications are done online, but here’s the thing:  You can attach a resume to your application, but you technically don’t have to.   School system’s don’t generally hire convicted felons, but even if you check “Yes” to that box, you’re application will still upload.  However, until you get the minimum required number of references completed by other people, your application will not even show up on my screen.  I won’t even consider you for an interview.

References matter.

You may think you’re good, and gifted, and worthy of favor and blessing (your resume).   You may say all the right things and pray all the right ways (your application); but if you haven’t done/ you aren’t doing anything that gives others a testimony about you then your application for blessing is incomplete.

Whom have you helped along the way?  Who outside of your home  (We require some non-relative references.) has thanked God for you?   Have you lived in such a small and selfish way that none of the people who’ve seen your work/ works can speak of the good work/ good works you’ve done for them.

In Matthew 25: 34-46 , Jesus explained the minimum references required of those applying for His eternal blessings.  You need references from the hungry, the thirst, the naked, the homeless, the stranger, the sick, and the incarcerated. 

At minimum God requires references stating that you have worked at justice, mercy, and submission to God.

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

Your own resume may call you good and holy, but you need references to back up your claims of religious good works.

James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. 

Live righteously in light of God’s Word and call for holiness.   Live charitably in the way you treat and help others.    Get your references together.  

----- Anderson T. Graves II

Rev. Anderson T. Graves II is the pastor of Hall Memorial CME Church

Call/ fax: 334-288-0577
Email us at hallmemorialcme1@aol.com
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If you want to be a blessing to this ministry, contributions may be made by check or money order made out to: Hall Memorial CME Church

Mail all contributions to :

Hall Memorial CME Church
541 Seibles Rd.,
Montgomery, AL 36116