Articles
Jesus Will Do Your Performance Review
“If it falls your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures, like Shakespeare wrote poetry, like Beethoven composed music; sweep streets so well that all the host of Heaven and earth will have to pause and say, “Here lived a great street sweeper, who swept his job well.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mr. King attempted to instill excellence in every man. He said, “We must set out to do a good job, irrespective of race, and do it so well that nobody could do it better.” His activism reflected his knowledge and understanding of Scripture. For the Christian, nothing is more important as reflecting the character of his Master, Christ Jesus the Lord. Paul and Peter address this subject in; Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:22-4:1; and 1 Peter 2:18-25. The apostles' teaching clearly shows the need to be an excellent employee.
Christians must be obedient employees. Peter says we should be "subject" to our boss "with all respect." Paul tells us to "obey in everything those who are your earthly masters." Peter says this must be done whether the supervisor is "good and gentle" or "unjust." Christians today live in an increasingly hostile world. Christians are spoken of as evil, unloving, and intolerant people. Peter says we must be excellent so the world can say nothing evil about us (1 Pet. 2:12). Paul says we should render service to our employer with "fear and trembling" and "with a sincere heart." How can I serve ungodly people "a sincere heart?" We serve well because we fear Christ (Col. 3:22).
Christians must have the right attitude towards work. Christians are to "work heartily" for their employer. How can I work hard for a boss I find to be unjust or harsh? I must work "as for the Lord and not for men." Paul says simply, "You are serving the Lord Christ." Knowing I serve Christ, I work whether the boss is looking or not. I must not be a people-pleaser who works only when the boss sees me. When I leave early because the boss is away but stay late when the boss is around, I am offering eye service and people-pleasing. I must be of outstanding character, stay until the shift ends, and work until the job is finished. I do it whether I am recognized or not (1 Pet. 2:19-20).
We need to be reminded that Jesus will judge our employment on Judgment Day (Eph. 6:7; Col. 3:24-25). "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” (2 Cor. 5:10 ESV) Paul teaches our service for our employer is part of our judgment. "For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality." (Col. 3:25). If my employer fails to recognize my contribution, know "that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or free" (Eph. 6:8).
