Today I reviewed my objectives, Lord.

They are part of our performance management system,

Having a balance of realism and stretch.

Task orientated, they determine my priorities.

The most important are "critical success factors".

Achievement of these is necessary for business survival.

I write the first draft, and after edits, agree them with my boss.

Customers, people, community, growth, and finance.

Each area has its own set.

Success will impact on our business,

And then on me - satisfaction and reward, etc.

What about your work, Lord?

I sense that you had objectives, too.

"I am come that men may have life," you said. [1]

And when the task was done, "It is finished". [2]

We often set objectives within our church family.

Budgets, numbers, growth, people, buildings.

Help us to ensure that these are your objectives,

And not thinly disguised human thought.

Each one must be consistent with mission and vision

And for me, four sets of objectives for balance: -

Work, family, self and community.

May I undergird this portfolio with your wisdom,

So that my entire life is the expression of

faith and a conversational relationship with you.

1.. John 10 v 10. 2.. John 19 v 30. Copyright Howard Smith 2002. All Rights reserved. For comments or responses, please contact