June 13 - Heaven’s Performance Review

Heaven’s Performance Review

 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23

“Everyone is an example,” it’s been said. “Either a good one or a bad one.”  That is especially true in our work.  There should be something about your life, talents, and abilities which causes others to take notice one way or another which ultimately reflects on God when others make the association.  

Workplaces often have an interesting ritual known as job performance reviews.  I don't think there is anyone who likes them except possibly Human Resource people. Even if you are doing a great job, reviews and evaluations are stressful. A few years ago a Magazine ran a list of some quotes from actual job performance reviews.

Here are a few of them:

 
1. "I wouldn't allow this employee to reproduce; he must have gotten
into the gene pool when the lifeguard wasn't looking."
2. "This associate is really not so much of a has-been but a won't
be."
3. "Works well under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in
a trap."
4. "This young lady has delusions of adequacy."
5. "Sets low personal standards and consistently fails to achieve
them."
6.  "This employee is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot."
7. "Gates are down, lights are flashing, but the train isn't coming."

8. "If you stand close enough to him, you can hear the ocean."
9. "Some drink from the fountain of knowledge; he only gargled."

Examples indeed…and all bad ones.  God says, I want you to be a witness, a testimony, an example to other people. Paul praised the Christians at Thessalonica for being "an example to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia."
The people at Thessalonica had been worshipers of idols, but now
they were imitators of Christ. And they made this transition in the middle of much tribulation. There was nothing phony in their witness; they were the real thing. And everyone who heard their story was compelled by it. It was evident in their work, homes, and relationships.

Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” God says I want people to see how gifted you are and the abilities you have. I want them to see your earnestness. I want them to see your progress, your developing the skills, the talents I gave you.  When they notice you, it makes God look good as your heavenly Father.

One of the most familiar faces on television some years ago belonged to Dave Thomas, the founder of the Wendy's hamburger chain. When Dave Thomas was just fifteen, he dropped out of school and moved out on his own home. He would later work closely with Harland Sanders (of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame.  He would work a while in the restaurant business, and eventually created the great success that is Wendy's which was named after his daughter. But in spite of all his success, Dave had never gotten over his regret of dropping out of school. And he never felt comfortable when people pointed to him as a successful drop-out. He didn't want to encourage kids today to follow his example. So Dave decided to get his high school diploma.

In 1992, he hired a tutor and began studying for his GED, the equivalency exam that would grant him a high school diploma. It was hard work, but eventually Dave took the test and passed. Eventually he would have a high-school diploma. Someone at Coconut Creek High School in Florida heard of Dave's effort, and so the student body decided to adopt him. They invited Dave and his wife, Lorraine, to their prom, where they crowned them Homecoming King and Queen of the event. The students and faculty wanted to honor Dave for going back and taking care of business. They took notice of a life of excellence who worked hard. 

I believe most of us can admire that in Dave Thomas. He didn't want to encourage young people to follow his example and drop out of school, so when other men were retiring, Dave was going back to high school. We need more people who have that level of concern for the example they are setting for others. 

Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” This includes our testimony and our vocations.  While Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas, and his wife Lorraine, received their crowns for their success, some day we are going to receive a greater crown for our own and the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” After all, His performance review one day is the one that will really counts.

Terry Risser

Reflections:

1)   What you assess your current work performance as less than weak, average, or strong?

2)   How can you make one adjustment today to please the Lord?

Consider reading the Word today:

 

Copyright 2014- Terry Risser