Performance report

Our boss tasked us to prepare his performance report from the start he assumed his position until this time. 

Universities and other government agencies are being evaluated based on their achievement in what are called major final outputs (MFOs). Perhaps, administrators are additionally evaluated on their contribution and initiatives to facilitate the achievement of or even surpass target MFOs. One major final output of BSU, for example, is higher education. Performance indicators for this MFO are: number of graduates, quality of graduates in terms of performance in licensure examinations, and timeliness. For research as MFO, an ultimate indicator is the number of publications in ISO journals. 

While helping draft the report, I began to realize what it would be like in death when people finally face their Maker. I understand from biblical preachings that while salvation is not based on our past performance in this world (only by grace so that no one will boast), and that we must perform as Christians out of gratitude, for our enjoyment of our position, and for the glory of the One who chose and had been gracious to us, there are rewards and crowns in heaven that will be based on performance. I tried to think of the MFOs  required of us believers, and the corresponding performance indicators.

I am not a theologian but I can think of two MFOs with eternal value as  Christians: disciples and fruits of the spirit. We are told that a final charge given to the disciples by Jesus Christ is "to make disciples of all nations...". We are also told to live by the Spirit, the fruits of which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control...

If these are the MFOs of a Christian, and the indicators are number and quality of disciples made, % of times displayed love, % of times displayed patience and so on..., I am a non-performer!!! Failure!!! But oh well, wait, even in the university, there is a major final output called "support to operations"! Whew, maybe I have been tasked in this area; perhaps I may be performing a little in this area, but really, not as much as I should. But I am still not relieved of having to perform in the area of making disciples and having to live the fruits of the Spirit.

So I guess, in all things indeed, one learns a life lesson. Even while writing a performance report of the university or administrator, I was reminded of the essential outputs required of me in this world. It is terrifying enough to be evaluated in this fallen world. It is more terrifying though to think about the more essential performance indicators. My only comfort is His promise that all authority in heaven and in earth was given to Christ, and His Kingdom will go on and expand even if I become a "non-performing asset". He is after all, sovereign. The catch is that I lose the privilege, joy and rewards of performing well and achieving the required MFOs for a graced sinner.