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I continue the story of our friend, Fran and Jesus on the Job. A few months ago, Fran was faced with an ethical decision. She actually refused to make a presentation to a client using deceptive methods—even though her manager asked her to do it—and as a result the account was taken away from her. She made the right choice, though it wasn’t easy.
Today, as Fran arrives at work, she’s a little nervous because it’s the day for her appraisal with her manager, Marilyn. She says to Jesus: “I’ll be glad when this is over. I hate appraisals. But I hope it goes well because the better the appraisal, the more raise I get, and I could use a nice raise.”
Jesus replies: “Fran, I’ll go right into that appraisal with you, so take a deep breath and know that whatever happens, I’m in this with you.”
“Thanks, Lord,” she smiles at Jesus’ words of encouragement. It really helps her to keep her perspective. After all, she works for Jesus not for Marilyn, and as long as he is pleased with her work, she has the approval that is important.
“You know, Lord, my track record is good this year. I was second highest in sales volume in the whole office, and my account retention record is the best. And, you know, I got that big order from John Warton last week; nobody’s been able to break that account before. So, I think I’m in good shape.”
“Do you think Marilyn will have anything to say about the D3 University account, Fran?” Jesus asks.
The D3 University account is the one Fran had to give up because she refused to submit deceptive figures in her proposal. Marilyn gave it to Tom, a young salesman, who blew it and lost the business.
“Well, who knows, Lord, but with my good record, I don’t see how she can refuse to give me a good rating on my appraisal. After all, I didn’t lose that account; Tom did! Well, it’s about time to go.” Fran starts to rush out.
“Why don’t you have a quiet moment of prayer before you go in there? Do you have time?” Jesus asks.
Fran smiles, as she shuts her office door. “Of course I do, Lord. I can’t afford not to take time for prayer, can I?” She sits down beside Jesus and prays quietly, “Dear Father, give me your strength, your perspective, your calmness and your peace as I go into this appraisal. I ask you to put the right words in my mouth. I pray for a favorable appraisal, if that is your will. Thanks for giving me Jesus to be right here beside me during this. That helps a lot. I pray this in his name. Amen.” Together they head toward Marilyn’s office for the appraisal.
