Today’s scripture: Mark 10:17-31 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Carla Peck):
Once a year, most of us who work are asked by our employer to complete a self evaluation of our performance for the past year. Our employer then comments on our performance and together, we collaborate and set goals to work toward for next year. During the process of preparing for this dreaded ordeal, I sometimes find myself thinking, “Isn’t it enough that I showed up for work and did what I was supposed to (and often more)?” I have “real work” to do. Isn’t re-living my experiences over the past year by thinking about them again and summarizing them — in writing, at that — a colossal waste of time?!
So that I can minimize my time regurgitating all this information, I have created an “atta-boy” folder in my e-mail to help me remember the most challenging projects I contributed to over the year and what my contributions were. I also save each note of appreciation for a job well done that I receive. (Tip: saving these notes also serves as a resource to re-build confidence for those trying times — I had better days once and better days will return again!)
In today’s scripture, I see the rich man asking Jesus for a performance review. The rich man says that he has been living his life in perfect compliance with the commandments, ever since he was young. The man wants to know if having lived his life in this manner will grant him entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life.
How often do I ask my manger for feedback on an assignment once it is completed? If I were to ask for feedback, wouldn’t it demonstrate that I care about our company and improving my performance? (Possibly.) Would I be provided information that is timely, fresh, and may have been forgotten by the time “annual review day” arrives? (Highly likely.) Would I be provided with information that may “sting” once received, but, if taken to heart, would enable me to be more productive and may even result in a better outcome next time? Like the rich man, would I be provided with information about myself that may surprise or challenge me?
Perhaps I am more comfortable working in the vacuum of my “atta-boy” folder. Maybe I’m comfortable with the delusion that I am good enough already and don’t need to improve. Or, maybe I am afraid to ask for feedback.
I commend the rich young man for asking Jesus for a performance review. How often in my spiritual development do I ask God for feedback on my soul growth or my discipleship efforts? I certainly take the time to make regular requests of God. Am I taking at least equal time to ask God for feedback on how I am doing? If so, what am I doing with those nuggets of feedback that God puts on my heart?
Thought for the day: What holds me back from asking God for feedback? Am I afraid of asking? Lord, yet another request, I pray for the courage the rich man has to ask for your feedback.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.