Setting Godly GoalsSample

At the time when the gospel of Luke was written, tax collectors were synonymous with dishonesty. They earned a living by adding to the total that was due for the taxes and pocketing what was left over. And based on their plush lifestyles and poor reputation with the people, we can gather that they charged as much as they could get away with.

John’s instruction to the tax collectors told them not only to do their job well (“do what you have been ordered to”), but also to be fair to the people.

So many times, I think we associate working “well” with our work wins, bonuses, promotions, recognition, etc. 

But working well from a godly perspective means we are to do the job we’ve been given to do—but in a way that focuses on the best interests of those we’re serving—not our own benefits.

John’s instruction stands for us too: we must do our jobs well and fairly.

As we think about setting goals, we must remember that more than getting to our desired result, how we get there matters.

Around she works His way, we say this all the time: how we work is often our greatest opportunity for ministry, not merely the task at hand.

Think about the ways you can be counter-culture in your job and do it:

Promote your competition.

Refuse to exaggerate if you fall short of the goal. 

Pray for your enemy. 

Correct your mistakes instead of covering them up.

Trust that God will honor work done His way.

God, renew our minds to see our work as You see it. Help us refuse to just see the task and miss the opportunity You give us in every step. Regardless of what may be “industry standard” in our field, God, hold us to Your standard. We love You, and we trust You. Amen.