Have you ever found yourself faced with decisions which seem to force you to choose between two right things?

For instance, a coworker may really need to talk to you about a problem in his or her life, but you don't feel you should take company time for a lengthy conversation. Yet you don't want to be uncaring or rude. I believe our first priority is to do our job well. That means you may have to cut off that conversation with the hurting person and make an appointment to talk at lunch or break or after work, because it's not right to take company time for long personal conversations.

What about the particular dilemma mangers and supervisors face in being a demanding supervisor versus showing concern and care for those employees? Think of Jesus and his staff of twelve men. Do you think he was demanding of their time? I get the feeling that those men put in long hard days quite often.

Being a firm supervisor, insuring that the employees who work for you do their jobs right and put in a good day's work is not contrary to Christian principles of love and kindness. As a Christian supervisor, your job is to make certain that your employees perform well and work hard for the company.

Of course, we cannot ask of others what we do not give ourselves. Whatever Jesus asked of his disciples in time and hard work, he did more than they did. As long as you role model hard work and dedication for your people, you have earned the right to demand that of them. Quite frankly, you will be doing your employees a favor to teach them the rightness of hard work, honesty and diligence.

Now, that responsibility may cause you to seem harsh at times. If you're like me, I much prefer having people like me than not like me! However, your job description does not say, "Everyone must like you.” When you have an employee who resists working hard or doing the job right, and you as the supervisor insist on right work, that person is not likely to count you their best friend. Welcome to management and leadership; it goes with the territory.

Put yourself in this situation: You are at the job working and a coworker wants to talk about a personal problem. You want to listen and show compassion, but the conversation is on company time, and it's beginning to get lengthy. You have work to do and yet you don't want to be unkind or uncaring to this friend who is hurting. What do you do? Sometimes we face priority conflicts where it seems that doing one right thing will cause us to do something that isn't right.

One listener wrote me about his particular dilemma. He is a foreman with several men working for him. Quoting him, "In my position, I often find it hard to strike a balance between being firm enough with my men to lead them, and being a servant to them; also to serve others in the company (such as the unbelievers) without compromising the use of my time and/or resources. I want to be a servant, but I also must get the job done; I desire to be an example of Christ-likeness, but the things that I often feel I must do in situations seem harsh."

Often our duties and responsibilities seem in opposition to what we would like to do and think we should do as a Christian. How do we deal with these conflicting priorities?

Well, I don’t pretend to have all the answers here. It's a good idea to be cautious when anyone is quick to give you pat answers. Have you ever wondered why God allows us to face what seems like conflicting priorities?

I believe it's because these are the things which keep us on our knees, going back to God time and again with each particular situation, asking for guidance. These are the predicaments that remind us of how weak and helpless we are on our own. I think I could easily become very cocky and self-assured if I thought I knew exactly what I should do at every decision point in my life. But so often I'm driven to desperation by what looks like an impossible decision, and that brings me just where I should be, begging God to guide me and help me.

So, we can see how God uses conflicting priorities and decisions for good. I'd like to share with you some thoughts that may help in choosing between conflicting priorities.

Put yourself in this situation: You are at the job working and a coworker wants to talk about a personal problem. You want to listen and show compassion, but the conversation is on company time, and it's beginning to get lengthy. You have work to do and yet you don't want to be unkind or uncaring to this friend who is hurting. What do you do? Sometimes we face priority conflicts where it seems that doing one right thing will cause us to do something that isn't right.

One listener wrote me about his particular dilemma. He is a foreman with several men working for him. Quoting him, "In my position, I often find it hard to strike a balance between being firm enough with my men to lead them, and being a servant to them; also to serve others in the company (such as the unbelievers) without compromising the use of my time and/or resources. I want to be a servant, but I also must get the job done; I desire to be an example of Christ-likeness, but the things that I often feel I must do in situations seem harsh."

Often our duties and responsibilities seem in opposition to what we would like to do and think we should do as a Christian. How do we deal with these conflicting priorities?

Well, I don’t pretend to have all the answers here. It's a good idea to be cautious when anyone is quick to give you pat answers. Have you ever wondered why God allows us to face what seems like conflicting priorities?

I believe it's because these are the things which keep us on our knees, going back to God time and again with each particular situation, asking for guidance. These are the predicaments that remind us of how weak and helpless we are on our own. I think I could easily become very cocky and self-assured if I thought I knew exactly what I should do at every decision point in my life. But so often I'm driven to desperation by what looks like an impossible decision, and that brings me just where I should be, begging God to guide me and help me.

So, we can see how God uses conflicting priorities and decisions for good. I'd like to share with you some thoughts that may help in choosing between conflicting priorities.

Do you know the difference in a wish and a goal? Lots of us wish for many good things, but not too many of us see those good things happen in our lives because we've never turned our wishes into goals.

A goal is not a wish. A goal:

Is realistic and achievable.

Has a time schedule.

Is simple and specific.

Is measurable in terms of numbers and specifics.

Is written down for accountability.

I could wish all day that I could be an accountant but that could never be a goal because it's not achievable for me. A goal has a time schedule and is measurable in some way or another. I may wish to lose weight, but in order to do that, I need to set a goal and a time frame for that goal. "I will lose five pounds in four weeks.” That's a goal.

Now, given that definition of a goal, are you truly a goal-oriented person, or do you just wish a lot? I find many of us are very good wishers, but not many of us take those wishes and turn them into goals that we work to achieve. Well, after all, wishes don't take any energy or discipline; goals do. Wishes don't require any commitment from us; goals do.

For instance, you may wish that you had a closer walk with God; you may wish that you really knew how to pray with power; you may wish that you knew the Bible better. Those are good wishes, but my friends, until you turn them into goals, your spiritual growth will stagnate.

If you listen to this program regularly, you've heard me suggest things for you to do that will help you turn wishes into goals. For instance, I've encouraged you to put on the inner garments of Colossians 3 on a daily basis; to set specific guidelines for your thought life and practice bringing your thoughts into captivity; to establish a time each day that you spend getting to know God, and many more. Those are just ideas to help you turn from a wisher into a doer.

Now, ask yourself this question: Am I a task-oriented person or a goal-oriented person? What's the difference? Well:

A task-oriented person focuses on doing things right.

A goal-oriented person focuses on doing the right things right.

Are you doing the right thing or just doing things right? Certainly a goal-oriented person must be a task-oriented person frequently. But it's possible to be task-oriented without being goal-oriented. In other words, you could work very hard and always be busy, but never truly be focused on worthwhile goals and never see any of your dreams and plans realized because of being task-oriented and not goal-oriented.

Why is it important for a Christian to be a goal-oriented person?

The Bible frequently admonishes us to look for the big picture and set our eyes on the goal. We're reminded not to just look at the visible things around us, but to fix our eyes on the invisible things; to see beyond the obvious and set our eyes on the eternal. Well, that's really what being a goal-oriented person is all about. It's the ability to look beyond the everyday duties and responsibilities and minutia that tends to eat up all our time, and make sure you're focusing your life and energy on goals that add value and make a difference.

Jesus said:

Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. (John 13:17).

Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.  (Luke 11:28).

I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do (John 17:4).

These passages underline the fact that Jesus was a doer, and he didn't waste time talking about what he wanted to do. He did what the Father had sent him to do. He came to this earth with certain goals in mind, and nothing was going to stop him from reaching his goals.

He said that he had come to do the Father's will,

Were you a good student in school? Did you make good grades? Even if you didn’t make particularly good grades in school, there is one test—one exam—where you can do really well, if you’re prepared. I’m talking about being prepared for our final exam as believers in Jesus Christ. That day when we will give an account to Jesus for our stewardship while here on earth. In the Bible it’s called the Judgment Seat of Christ, and that’s where we’ll receive rewards for having the right answers—or not.

Here are some more passages in Scripture that give us insight into what will be on that final exam.

1 Thessalonians 2:19: For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?

Hebrews 6:10: God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

The people you have touched will be your greatest joy in Heaven. The people you rejoiced with and cried with, the people you reached with the Gospel—this is going to be a big deal on that final exam. People matter to God. Jesus loves people, and what you have done as a servant to help others will truly matter at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

And one last reminder of what will be on that final exam:

2 Timothy 4:8: Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

This is the bottom line for us as believers, because if you long for the appearing of Jesus, if you are aware that your time on earth is time to prepare for that final exam, and therefore you have an eternal perspective, then you will be prepared for that final exam, and you’ll do well when you stand before Jesus.

The final exam is coming whether we’re prepared or not. We have time to prepare. Let’s go for it.

I always liked to get good grades in school. I guess everybody did—right? But my grade depended on how prepared I was for the exams. Did you know that as believers in Jesus Christ, there will be a final exam for us? It’s called the Judgment Seat of Christ, where believers will be graded—if you will—on how well we represented Jesus while on earth, and rewards will be given to those who are prepared.

I’m looking at what the Bible tells us will be on the exam and what we can do to hear Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Here are few more things that will be on that final exam:

Did you do for people who could not repay you? Were you generous for the right reasons?

Luke 14:12 – 14: Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

If you did for others without a quid pro quo—without expecting anything in return—you will get a good grade on that final exam.

Did you work for people and money, or did you work for the Lord?

Colossians 3:22 – 24: Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

That means what you do every day on your job—whether it’s in your home or otherwise, whether you receive a salary for it or not—you will be rewarded by the Lord on the final exam for working for the Lord, doing whatever you have to do with excellence and joy, because you are serving the Lord Christ.

I’m giving you answers to the final—a preview of what will be on your final exam in Heaven. Now, I should explain that this final exam is for those who are Christ-followers and have been born from above through faith in Jesus. The Bible teaches that Christians will have to give an account to Jesus for how we used our resources while here on earth. The good news is, the Bible gives us some insight into what will be important on this final exam.

For example, one question will have to do with your motivation—why you did what you did for Jesus.

Matthew 6:3-4: But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Jesus is talking about doing good for the right reasons, because you truly wanted to help others and you didn’t do it to impress anyone. Jesus said you will be rewarded for that kind of generosity.

Again in that same chapter, Jesus says: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6).

Jesus said that those who give to the poor or pray and fast for public acknowledgement will get no reward in heaven for it, for they cared more for earthly rewards than heavenly ones.

Here’s another question on the final exam:

Did you love unlovable people—did you love your enemies?

Luke 6:35a: But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great…

Got any unlovable people in your life right now? Maybe even some enemies who are deliberately trying to do you harm? If you can love them with the love of Jesus, you’ll do well on the final exam.

Did you know that the Bible teaches that all believers in Jesus Christ will have a final examination in Heaven? It’s true—there will be a day when you will stand before Jesus to give an account for the stewardship of your time, money, skills, love—and there will be certain rewards for things you’ve done. The good news is, the Bible tells us exactly what is going to be on that final test and how we can be certain that we will pass with flying colors and hear Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Here are some of the questions on that final test:

Have you been persecuted because of your stand and devotion to Jesus Christ?

Matthew 5:11 – 12: Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

We read again in James 1:12: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial. Because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

We know there are many Christians in other parts of the world today who are truly persecuted, even killed, for their faith. Their crown is waiting on them. But even though you may not live under such persecution, if you have suffered for your stand for Christ, you will pass this question on the final exam. Have you ever been fired for your faith; ostracized by your family or friends because of your faith? Have you taken a clear stand that you are a follower of Jesus Christ, regardless of the ridicule or isolation it may cause or the price you had to pay? That’s a question that will be on the final, and if you can confidently say, “Yes, I was faithful even in persecution,” you will receive a reward.

Have you made wise and eternal investments—investments that are stored up in Heaven?

Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

You have two bank accounts; one on earth, one in heaven. You can put deposits in either one. On the final exam, you will be asked for an accounting of where you put your treasure. We’ve heard it said, “Just follow the money.” Well, following what you’ve done with your money on earth will be on the final exam. Are you investing in eternity or not?

Final exams don’t bring back a lot of good memories for me—how about you?

Ken Blanchard is a well-known American author and management expert, with over 60 books published on leadership and management. He also has taught these topics in universities, and he tells the story that he always handed out the final on the first day of the course, as well as the answers. He said as a result, all of his students got A’s. “After all,” he said, “isn’t it our goal to help the students learn and succeed?”

Well, that’s my kind of final—what about you? If you give me the questions and the answers that are going to be on the test, I probably could ace it too.

Sure sounds like the Apostle Paul knew the answers to the final when he wrote to Timothy:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

He was certain he would have the crown of righteousness when he stood before the Lord. How could he be so sure that he had done that well? Because he knew the answers to the final.

He understood that there would be a final exam even for believers in Jesus Christ. He referred to it as “that day”—that day when every believer will stand before Jesus individually to account for what they have done that mattered for eternity. Paul had lived for that day and not for today.

Our time on earth as followers of Jesus Christ is the time we have to prepare for that final exam. In the Bible we are told exactly what will be on the exam. The Bible tells us “If you do this, you’ll receive certain rewards.” That’s why Paul was confident, because he had listened to Jesus and then he patterned his life around the things that Jesus said would be on the final, so that at the end he could be certain he would be rewarded.

I want to look at the questions and answers that will be on your final exam, when you stand before Jesus on THAT day. It will help you live with an eternal perspective.

Let me begin with this question: If God would come down in some miraculous way and give you clear directions when you’re facing a tough decision—writing on your walls as he did in Old Testament times, or sending you a text as he might do today—would you unquestionably and immediately be willing to do what he told you? Have you finally come to understand that God’s ways are better than your ways—that his thoughts are above your thoughts—that he has good plans for you and his directions are the very best for you?

You see, until you really want above everything else to know and do God’s will—until you are passionately desirous of pleasing God in all your ways, God could write on your walls and you wouldn’t be happy if it wasn’t exactly what you wanted. Many times we just want God to bless our decisions, not redirect us.

Let me assure you that God never plays hide and seek with those who are seeking his guidance. He’s not trying to make it difficult for you to know what to do in puzzling and tough situations. He wants you to know his will more than you want to know it! So, search your heart and make sure you truly want heavenly guidance. That’s the starting place.

The good news is, you have the inspired Word of God, the Bible, to guide you. Romans 15:4 says that “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” There is hope for you whenever you’re facing a tough decision, and it is at your fingertips in the written Word of God. And on top of having your Bible, you have your own personal teacher, the Holy Spirit. Jesus told his disciples that when he left them, God the Father would send his Spirit to guide them.

I want to point out four specific Scripture passages that tell us how to approach a tough decision. There are many others, but these will get you started on the right path.

1. James 1:5: If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

This is where you begin every time you face a tough decision. You ask God to give you wisdom. Do you often pray for wisdom? Why wouldn’t you take advantage of this wonderful provision God offers you—wisdom given generously? That’s what you need when you’re trying to make a good decision, right? You need wisdom. Wisdom has been promised to you. So, just take God at his word and pray for wisdom.

2. Psalm 37:7: Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Sometimes when we are pressed to make tough decisions, there’s the temptation to be quick and presumptuous instead of waiting on God. Being still before God means that we will have periods of time when it seems like nothing is happening. Sometimes it’s a timing issue; we want to move now but God knows it’s better to wait. You may not think anything is happening, but God is working behind-the-scenes for you. So, pray for wisdom and then be still and wait for the Lord’s timing.

3. Proverbs 19:20: Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.

Scripture teaches us to seek help when we’re facing tough decisions. However, it’s important to screen out the voices and hear from those who walk closely with God. Proverbs 13:20 says “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

So, you need to seek advice from the right people—godly people who have a track record of walking with God, and who lean heavily on God’s truth in offering advice or help.

4. Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths ...