Most Human Resource Departments as well as Management teams are familiar with the term Performance Improvement Plans or PIP's. Usually a PIP is given to an employee or employees that appear to need a boost in performance or are struggling with the company. Rather than being removed from their current position, some may be assigned Performance Improvement Plans.. While many may view PIP's as negative tools used by managers as just a means of documenting the inevitable dismissal of an under performing employee. Quite the contrary, a PIP can be a great evaluation tool used to help individuals, who for some reason(s) are struggling, make great strides in improving their performance. 

 

Honestly speaking, many of us may abhor evaluation tools, and being or conducting evaluations. However assessments of our growth are helpful both professionally and personally.  The beginning of a new year is a great time to evaluate one's past development in a myriad of areas like family, finances, fitness, relationships, spiritual growth, etc.. So as we begin the 1st quarter of 2017, it's a great idea to consider a Personal Improvement Plan for the year.  In what areas do you need/desire to improve? 

 

Each of us, no matter who we are, have room for improvement.  We can become better! Actually God desires for us to be better. 

 

In our text, we find that Caleb's example gives us keys to personally improving.  Due to his development, Caleb ends up receiving the land God promised him 45 years prior.  Caleb lived his life according to his God given potential rather than measuring life by his current state or station. He also linked himself with godly people rather than listen to the general consensus. As a result, of living according to his strengths, Caleb is just as strong at 85 years old than he was at 40. Wouldn't it be great for us to get stronger as we get older, rather than the converse? Wouldn't it be fantastic to see ourselves get stronger spiritually, physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially? We can, when we commit ourselves to development and growth.