It’s review time at work. The self-evaluation I write will be compared with an assessment from my boss, who is relatively new. It’s tough to summarize in a few short sentences an entire year of successes, setbacks, hurdles and goals. And it’s interesting how we may see ourselves differently than others do, especially those that might not know us as well.
Taking some time now and then for honest reflection and feedback is important - and not just in the workplace. Boiling my life down to a bumper sticker, what would it say?
If asked, my friends are likely to be charitable in their assessment of me and include words like reliable and steady. There may be mentions of being stubborn or fearful but hopefully they might also include thoughtful, generous or kind. But these are actually just external manifestations of how I am though. What would God say? He alone knows my heart.
Gideon’s self-assessment was, “I am the least in my father’s household. There’s nothing special about me.” Yet God called him a mighty warrior.
Mary said, “I am your handmaiden.” But the angel called her “favored of the Lord.”
The Bible gives some other assessments:
David, an adulterer and murderer, was a man after God’s own heart.
Enoch walked with God.
Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
Abraham was considered a friend of God.
And Hebrews 11 praised the unnamed martyrs “of whom the world was not worthy.”
Deciding who we want to be is part of becoming. Having a goal gives direction. My dear friend Gene called himself a pilgrim and at times doulos, or slave. He wore an aspirational label to remind himself of who he wanted to be.
I’m grateful that God sees me through the blood of Jesus. The Spirit works in and through me, giving me direction and pointing out areas needing work. It’s His assessment alone that counts. Yet I also want the external manifestations of my walk to demonstrate a life that honors Him.
I don’t know how God would characterize my life, but I think it’s worth taking an honest look at where I am and where I’d like to be. I aspire to be confident of His love, an encourager of His people, a faithful servant, and a builder of family.
What do you aspire to be?
Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Romans 16:12
