Friday, July 15, 2011

The Ultimate Performance Evaluation

Colossians 3:23-24

Performance evaluations can be really nerve-racking. Organizations have different ways of evaluating employees, but they often involve the employee reporting all of his or her accomplishments in the past year (or quarter or month). Then, the supervisor considers that self-report, makes "objective" judgments about the employee, and usually schedules a meeting to discuss the performance and highlight goals for the next year or quarter or month. If done well, the employee knows what he or she is doing well and what needs improvement (and has tools to improve it).

I know what you're thinking. This is typically the point of the post where I say that you shouldn't worry about your performance evaluations. After all, look at the verse at the top of the post: "working for the Lord, NOT FOR MEN." So your supervisor's evaluation of your performance shouldn't matter. Great post!

Actually, performance evaluations are hugely important for the Christian. No Christian should EVER discount being evaluated at work. These verses, and the context on either side of these verses, are saying that you must do quality work. You must do your dead-level best at work.

The question is who is doing the evaluating. If you're talking about your immediate supervisor in your job, then yes, you're not working for him or her in a spiritual sense. You need to respect and obey that person, but they are not the ultimate judge of your work. You are "WORKING FOR THE LORD, not for men." God is the ultimate judge of your work, and He expects your best. He wants you to work hard, even when your boss isn't watching (v. 22). He wants you to put your heart into it (v. 23). And He gives the ultimate bonuses and demotions (v. 24-25).

Performance evaluations can be very intimidating, but remember who is evaluating you. And don't wait until you're trying to summarize the last year on a piece of paper. Every day, remember that God is expecting your very best. And His evaluation of your performance matters!

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