I don’t know if it is still common, but in the past, some companies had a “no re-hire” policy. If an employee left the company, other than for exceptions like returning to school or caring for a sick relative, it was expected that they would not be hired back in the future.
This illustrates the kind of loyalty that some organizations (and people) used to require of others. A few organizations probably still have this sort of rule. More so, some people still hold to this “policy” as individuals, especially in personal relationships. There are those who, once their trust has been broken, will almost never let that person back into their lives.
Individually, each of us basically “quit” on God at some point in our lives. We left His “organization” (which is really a family) when we chose to sin and walk in our own ways. Some people do this quietly, simply choosing to follow their own paths instead of God’s. Others are more dramatic, shaking their fist at God in anger or defiance.
The great news is that God does not have a “no re-hire” policy1. For one thing, God doesn’t close up shop when people leave. Even when individuals choose to believe something else, or when a congregation must dissolve, the Kingdom of God is alive and well. Even though there are those who have chosen to live apart from God, followers of Jesus continue to make positive differences around them, in Jesus’ name, when they live according to His example and help. God the Father’s power is still accessible through prayer, Jesus’ salvation is still valid for those who will receive it, and the Holy Spirit is still available to direct those who will let Him.
Furthermore, God doesn’t exclude us from re-joining His family once we have rejected His instructions. For the sinner who has strayed far from God, and the lost soul who has rejected God’s authority, God’s doors remain open to each of us until we die or Jesus returns.
Not only is God always taking applications (with a 100% acceptance rate, by the way), but Jesus is also actively recruiting:
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.
Revelation 3:20 NASB
Even more than that, God is getting ready to celebrate when you sign up (see Luke 15:8-10). He wants you to come back and join Him. Imagine the enthusiasm of God the Father as illustrated in Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son (see Luke 15:20-24)!
So, if you previously quit following God’s instructions, or gave up on Jesus Christ, don’t let that be permanent. You may currently be “unemployed” by God’s Kingdom, so to speak, but regardless of your background, history, or current situation, there is an open position in God’s family, designed for exactly your qualifications, and waiting for you to apply.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.
- God also has a good warranty policy if we damage the bodies He gave us. When these mortal bodies finally give out, we have something new and better waiting (see 2 Corinthians 5:1-5). ↩
Those Who Sin Differently 