We often associate the phrase “You’re fired!” with Donald Trump and the reality TV show, The Apprentice. But the concept of being fired, and then unfired, can illustrate a powerful biblical truth: redemptive salvation.
As a patrol division watch commander, I was once summoned to the chief’s office to discuss a probationary officer, whom we’ll call Johnson (not his real name), who was not performing to standards. The chief explained, “Today is the final day for Johnson to turn things around. Will he make it, or is it time to cut him loose?”
“I’m afraid it’s time, boss,” I responded. “We’ve invested months in working with him. Every attempt to improve his proficiency has failed. Some people simply aren’t suited for this profession. He’s struggling in nearly every area.”
The chief agreed, “Alright, I’ll call him in and let him know he’s fired. In the meantime, can you ensure his police unit is cleaned out? I don’t want to give him access after he’s been terminated.”
“You got it. I’ll send him over.”
About thirty minutes later, Johnson emerged from the chief’s office, visibly dejected. He returned to his unit, only to find it completely cleaned out. Just then, the chief summoned me again.
“I’ve decided to keep Johnson,” the chief announced. “I want to give him another chance.”
“Really?” I asked, surprised. “Did he know that you planned to terminate him?”
“Yes. I told him he deserved to be fired. I even asked if he wanted to resign instead of termination. But after talking for a bit, I decided to give him another chance. Needless to say, he jumped at the opportunity.”
“Well, I’m sure he did. It’s not every day you get unfired.”
“Indeed, it is not. Let’s see if he makes the most of the opportunity.”
This situation illustrates a profound point. Johnson deserved to be fired. Yet, the chief called him back and offered him a second chance. Johnson accepted! In a professional context, Johnson received redemptive salvation from the chief, much like we can spiritually receive redemptive salvation from God. We don’t deserve to spend eternity with Him in heaven because of the sin in our lives. But God reveals the truth of Christ to us, calling us to respond in faith and commit ourselves to Him—or not. This is a gift, not something we earn.
As Ephesians 2:4-9 states:
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:4-9).
Just as Johnson was given a second chance, we are offered grace and redemption through faith. It’s a chance to turn things around and live a life dedicated to Him. The choice, ultimately, is ours.
Consider how this applies to leadership roles as well. Sometimes, extending grace and offering a second chance can lead to remarkable transformations. It requires discernment, but the potential rewards are significant, both in professional and spiritual contexts.