This is the same for groups or nations as the overall performance of the
group depends on the performance of the individuals. In a similar manner, there
are many things we must do as part of living our lives in general. These
include our jobs and many other things. The job is significant because it is
the means by which we power every other area of our lives and ultimately
determines how our lives pan out. We spend roughly 8 of our 24 hours a day in
it and spend another 8 sleeping. This leaves us with another 8 for the many
other things we need to do. The job or occupation therefore dominates our lives
and defines how we serve our purpose—this is why it is referred to as the
occupation because it occupies us like water occupies a glass. A job that makes
us unhappy will then translate into an unhappy life which will mean an
un-maximized life as no one ever gave their best in an unhappy state. If for
any reason we are not giving off our best in the occupation, all areas of our
lives will be challenged. This must explain the very common saying;
do what you love or
something you are passionate about.
This is what makes performance very important to God. We can look at it as
the extent to which we serve our purpose which must of necessity contribute to
his larger purpose. Our example is Jesus and how much he was able to accomplish
in the three years of his ministry. The legacy is there for everyone to see
even if they do not believe in his divinity. When one creates something; he has
a purpose in mind. Although the created entity might be able to do a host of
other things, the purpose for which it was created is the best means for it to maximize
its existence. When the created entity fails in serving its purpose, the
creator is displeased, he must do something about the situation and very often
it is not pleasant. Jesus gave us a few lessons on this matter:
Luke 13:6-8
He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted
in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
Then said
he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking
fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
It is fair to say that a tree that doesn’t bear fruits is not serving its purpose. At the same time a tree could bear fruits but perhaps not as much as is expected of it. There must be a context in which we can know when a tree is living up to expectation. There is also the parable of the servants who were entrusted with talents by their master. This should bring the idea home for us: Matthew 25:14-30
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man
travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto
them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another
two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and
straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents
went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and
hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord
of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five
talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have
gained beside them five talents more. His lord
said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been
faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou
into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and
said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two
other talents beside them. His lord said unto
him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few
things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy
lord. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I
knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and
gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was
afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is
thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou
wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and
gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest
therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I
should have received mine own with usury. Take
therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but
from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And
cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping
and gnashing of teeth.
In all these parables we see the same theme of what the consequences are
when an entity does not live up to expectation. It is the wish of God that we
all function at our best. It is the only way the world can be the best it can
be. This will indeed gladden his heart as the servant with the five talents
pleased his master. If he will reward us it will be because we have served the
purpose for which he created us. Indeed those who understand this and serve their
purpose well are those we refer to as successful people in society. A successful
tree is one that bears fruits in abundance. If it bears more fruits than the
average tree then it will be outstanding tree. Success itself is the result of
high performance. The people we call successful people are those who have
engaged in some activity and performed above most people and this is what makes
them outstanding. They have found their purpose and served it well often beyond
expectation. The more the purpose is served the happier the creator and the
created itself. So that it is a win-win affair for us especially as Christians.
High performance ensures your reward on earth and guarantees your reward in
heaven just like the faithful servant. The opposite is also true for low
performance.
God, in the book of Genesis entrusted the world into man’s hands. The world
is the way it is because of how we have handled it. The extent to which we have
all served our purposes as micro-components of a larger team is what has shaped
it into its current state. Its many problems are the results of our activities
just as its many wonderful things are the results of our activities. In many
cases talents are being used in the wrong manner to serve the wrong purpose.
The performance of organizations, nations and the world itself is the direct
result of how the individuals are faring in the serving of their purpose. So
that doing our best in whatever situation we find ourselves in not only for our
own benefit but for the larger world. To be the best we can be there must be no
down times at all. In any case it is what God requires of us and we will see
that it cuts across every area of our lives.
There are many who believe they are working hard
and yet see very little result. This is a very common problem and it is often
because they are not functioning in the role that God intends for them. We get
a glimpse of this in Haggai 6:1
Whiles it is easy to say that God’s grace is the answer, we must also be
aware that there are many factors that influence our
performance in our occupations and our larger lives. Christ didn't just leave
us with the Holy Spirit as our helper but also examples that ensures that we
function at a high capacity possible outdoing him in performance. In John 14:12 he
admonishes us:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
This is a pointer towards the two main
cylinders that must fire for us to reach our best performance—a discussion which is
beyond the scope of this article. In any case whether the Holy Spirit is with us or
not depends on our thoughts and the resulting behaviors. Many of these factors are
treated in my many workshops, seminars, Church Sunday school sessions,
books and sermons.
It is my fervent prayer that you are blessed
this minute with the spirit of peak performance. That by the grace of God will
ensure you are your best in everything you do; that you are able to identify
the purpose for which you have been created and serve it towards the maximization
of your existence; that you are successful in every area of your life and
influence your generation through the example of our lord and savior Jesus
Christ. I am yet to meet a person who truly emulates the Christ example and
failed in life. As a true Christian your success is guaranteed. I invite you to
the next session of the H O P E M A N EXHORTATION session. Call 026838860 for
details.
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