For assessments to be a worthwhile undertaking, we need a Christ-like approach to the entire assessment process from gathering data to dealing with and communicating the results. As in any endeavor, process matters as well as the end results. Just as Christ came full of both grace and truth (Jn. 1:14, 17), so we need to approach getting data, using, and communicating the truth about our situation with grace.
How God’s Grace Helps Us in the Assessment Process
The entire process and methods from start to finish need to be filled with integrity. And, we need patience with people. That will happen by God’s grace. — “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age …” (Titus 2:11-12)
God’s grace will help us deal with the results, whether good or bad, so it’s about learning and growing because of the outcome.
Grace will keep us from berating ourselves or others. It will give us the hope we need to rise above our weaknesses (2 Cor. 12:9-10; Heb. 4:15-16) and the love we need to deal with other’s shortcomings (1 Cor. 13:5-7; James 2:12-13).
And, grace will keep us from pride, bragging about our good accomplishments (James 4:6). It will give us the humility to acknowledge and credit God for our strengths (Rom. 12:3; 1 Cor. 15:10).
Grace will also enable us to communicate the results in ways that build up and encourage (Prov. 16:24; Eph. 4:29). We will speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15) when we need to confront. We will respond to concerns raised as a result of the assessment with wisdom and without defensiveness (Prov. 26:4; Col. 4:6).
So, let’s pull on the power of God’s grace by approaching “God’s throne of grace with confidence” (Heb. 4:16), knowing that He will help us make assessments a worthwhile, Christ-like endeavor.
For More on These Topics:
All Posts about Assessments:
- The Right Standard for Assessments
- Using Assessment Results in Ways that Line Up
- Guard Body Life When Doing Assessments
- Great Commission: Encompassing or Complicated?
- Assessment Questions from the Great Commission
- Christ-like Standard in Assessments
- Assessing Christ-like Character
- Assessing Christ-like Conduct & Conversation
- Assessments Leading to Eternal Results?
- Involvement of the Holy Spirit in the Assessment Process
- Pulling on Spiritual Gifting in the Assessment Process
- Alignment with the Gospel in the Assessment Process
- Prayer in the Assessment Process
- Do Assessments Really Fit into God’s Character and Ways?
- Concerned with His Name in the Assessment Process?
- Use of Spiritual Weapons in the Assessment Process
- Need for Grace in the Assessment Process
- Guide the Assessment Process
- A Leader’s Roles in Assessments
- Don’t Like the Results of an Assessment?