Old Wineskins (Part 2)

Old wineskins don't like the term "evaluation." Most of the problems we deal with today come because we don't take stock in what we're doing for God and some people refuse to do so because it means they might have to change. Evaluation makes you accountable to God, to those with whom and to whom you minister, and to your own self.

From the beginning of time, God has held man accountable for fulfilling His plans. Adam and Eve had certain responsibilities in the Garden for which God held them accountable.

The Bible indicates you are to "think soberly,” to evaluate your own life and ministry.

Romans 12:3 "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."

Paul said:

Philippians 1:10 "That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ."
      
The fact that you are accountable to God for your ministry is illustrated by the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30.  The Bible also teaches that you have responsibilities for those to whom you minister:

1 Peter 5:2, 3 "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock."

The Bible also teaches that you are accountable to those with whom you minister.  You work together just like the human body:

1 Corinthians 12:21 "And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you."

When you stand before God on judgment day, your work will be evaluated to determine its value:

Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay stubble;  

1 Corinthians 3:12, 13 "Every man's work shall be made manifest:  for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is."

God has perfect plans, but He works through imperfect people to accomplish His plans. Because you are imperfect, you must continually evaluate your ministry.  Evaluation is important because it helps you determine if you are properly fulfilling God's plans and purpose.  Evaluation permits you to learn from your successes and failures, revise existing plans, and make new plans.  If you are really doing God's work, then it is worth doing with excellence.