"Starting from Scratch"

 

“Starting from Scratch”

 

The term “start from scratch” goes back to 18^th century sporting events in which the starting line was literally scratched in the dirt. It’s come to mean the beginning of some process, often in a job career. (Today the term “entry level job” is more commonly used.) Three examples stand out from my past. When I was in seminary I went from class to change clothes for my warehouse job, usually stopping at McDonald’s for a quick lunch which I ate enroute. A new employee wearing a cap which said, “Training Class” often took my order. In a short time I noted that he’d donned a white hat signifying he’d become a “regular employee” and after 2-3 months he sported a new one: “Manager”. The two hospitals in which I served as a chaplain were led by CEO’s, one of whom had begun as a Ward Clerk and the other in the Transportation Department. Coming up through the ranks gave each of these individuals valuable insights for their career paths.

Unless someone has exceptional skills (or benefits from nepotism) a first job begins at a low level. My father began his business career as an office boy (today often called a “gofer”) and 45 years later he retired as the Senior Senior Life Underwriter. My brother worked summers in the mail room for the same company then was employed in an entry level position after college. 31 years later he retired as an Assistant Vice President. Along the way both learned valuable skills in the industry. Other examples abound, maybe even in your own life.

We all enter God’s family by placing our trust in Christ (“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”—Romans 10:13). This is our start from scratch. From there we enter a process of growth (“…Let us…go on to maturity….”—Hebrews 6:1) through Bible study, prayer, fellowship and service to “…prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up….” (Ephesians 4:12). Paul cited this principle as one of the qualifications for spiritual leadership with a word of caution: “An elder must not be a new Christian, because he might be proud of being chosen so soon, and the Devil will use that pride to make him fall.” (1 Timothy 3:6, NLT). Tragically examples abound when this standard has been ignored.

There are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity--it takes time and effort to do whatever task(s) God has for us. Are we ready to make this commitment to Him?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan