I like to measure of my progress. I like to know where I stand against my priorities. This is not always easy. Determining where I stand by how many times I break the rules is often difficult. It is too easy to rationalize why the rule does not apply or how it conflicts with another rule. Additionally, I find it hard to acknowledge that I have done something wrong nobody involved has or will notice a potential violation. Using feedback is just as problematic. People are rarely honest, often wrapping their remarks within their own agenda. Even if they are honest, they may not have all the facts with which to make a full assessment. At least that is what I keep telling myself.
Corporately we are supposed to receive a formal evaluation at least once a year. My experience is that this measure does little if anything to help. Negative comments rarely include an analysis of what one could have done given the all circumstances at hand. It is difficult to apply these comments to life since the basis of the measure is totally on work results, and there is little to indicate that this is an appropriate measure of personal priorities.
I believe the comments and judgments of others are just words. If I need to understand the measure of my progress in achieving my personal priorities, Paul's observation fits perfectly.
“You can't go wrong when you love others. When you add up everything in the law code, the sum total is love.” (Romans 13.10)
Just yesterday, I had to make a difficult telephone call to let someone know she was going to get a new boss. My personal assessment in the end was positive, as was the outcome of the phone call. I conveyed things honestly, wrapped in my genuine concern for how she could perceive the sequence of events. The true measure will remain unchanged by the eventual result that will play itself out over the next few months.
We can measure where we stand. Question is, do we have the courage?
