Quarterly Review

Not too long ago I was reading an article written by a man who had served as an officer in the military. One of his assignments was to monitor the work and behavior of the young soldiers who were under his command. Quarterly, he prepared progress reports, then met with the individuals to review his findings with them. The purpose was to encourage those who were working up to, and above, the job requirements, and motivate those who were not. Later in his life, this man became a Christian, and was reminded of those progress reports. “Wouldn’t it be great“, he thought, “if God would call us all in for a personal performance review.”

Don’t you wonder, or am I the only one, if you are working up to your potential in the Kingdom of God? Imagine, for a moment, that you are sitting in God’s waiting room, the big, heavy door to his office opens, and the last review”ee” emerges. You try to catch a glimpse of their facial expression in an attempt to see how the meeting went. Where there tears, or a beaming smile? Did they turn and casually wave goodbye, or did they depart in silence, head down? Gulp!! God calls you in, and beckons you to sit in the worn leather chair across from his desk. He picks up your file, briefly peruses it, before turning His attention to you. Double gulp!! What is going through your mind, as you sit face to face with your Creator? I’m sure we’d all experience a brief moment of panic, fearing that SLACKER had been stamped in bold red letters on the top sheet. He smiles broadly as he reaches out to shake your hand, putting you immediately at ease. He makes himself comfortable as he returns his attention to your folder. 

So, what makes for an A+ review? Does God grade on the curve, I hope? I think, like any boss, he is looking for willing, enthusiastic workers. “Work willingly at whatever you do, ….” Colossians 3:23. In addition, he checks to see if we are adhering to the guidelines he has set out, or wandering off on our own. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” Proverbs 3:5 Is there a joyfulness in the way we work, or are we just putting in the time? Are we assisting co-workers, and non-co-workers, or do we stay cooped up in our cubicles? “Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.” Acts 5:42. It is my belief, from what I read in scripture, that God wants to encourage us, not belittle; discipline, but not break our spirits. He has proven himself to be a fair, loving taskmaster who longs only to brings out the best in us…let him.

The good news is, there is no quarterly review; the bad news is, there is no quarterly review! But one day there will, so become intimately acquainted with what’s contained in his work manual, and job descriptions stated there in. “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8. Did I mention that working for God has benefits that are “out of this world”.