Some people call them résumés and some call them vitas. They are similar. Basically they are a brief account of somebody’s life. Usually they are put together in an effort to impress us into giving the author a job. Often they are amusing to read, especially if they contain dates. Often we can see that someone has lots of experience but we wonder why they changed jobs every year. The list can be impressive except it might reveal they don’t wear well. Actually I like just the reverse. Lots of experience in a few places tells me a lot. I saw one today that made me smile. He put down, “International speaker.” Since he didn’t put public speaker or mention how many countries I figured he and his wife drove to Toronto and he talked with her in the car. Yes, I know. That’s harsh. Forgive me.
It all set me to wondering what we need on our résumés for entrance to heaven. I’m sure many people would list all the money they have given to charities. They might list the clothes they put in the Good Will box or calculate the number of hours they volunteered at the local hospital. If they were brave they might list the temptations and opportunities for sin that they resisted. How about mentioning they haven’t eaten meat or mustard in twenty years? Or better yet if they were a pastor they could list all their baptisms – stars for their crown.
I think I have figured out the ultimate résumé for heaven. “Sinner – Forgiven.” You must admit it’s not very long. But, it has a certain elegance about it. Its simplicity tells the whole story. The only story needed.
Written by Roger Bothwell on September 14, 2010
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org