What Christian judgment looks like when the faithful decision is costly.
Our functional theology is revealed not by what we say but by the convictions behind our decisions and visible actions. This is especially true when competing priorities make obedience costly. Ever run into a growth goal that incentivizes making promises you cannot keep? Or take a shortcut you otherwise would not? Or, worse, cheat a client or partner? Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are valuable for measuring effectiveness, profitability, scale, and so much more. Generally speaking, KPIs are amoral. They are theologically neither good nor bad. They become moral indicators when growth becomes greed, when efficiency comes at the cost of showing the love of Christ in the workplace or of recognizing people’s dignity as image bearers. KPIs can expose what matters to a leader’s heart.
Amoral: That which is neither moral nor immoral.
~ The Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms
Measurement vs Moral Authority
Lean cycles are all about Design, Build, Measure, repeat. Measurement is central to that cycle, so you know what to redesign in each iteration based on what you measured. This isn’t limited to business and software development; it also applies to Christian educational cycles. This is why we have versions as things improve based on what we measured.
Churches love to measure noses and nickels (e.g., attendance, baptisms, and offerings). When this is at the cost of genuine discipleship, we have a moral issue, as we are breaking the Great Commission. So when you see this measurement focus, it is no wonder it shows up in the marketplace on Mondays. The moral dilemma is when these measurements come at a cost of what we are called to do.
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KPIs are also generally trailing measurements. They show what you have done. A thousand decisions, variables, and whatnot could have influenced those measurements. It is in those judgments you must ask yourself: was God present within them? Were the big decisions supported by prayer? How were the people you steward treated? As followers of Christ, we are held to a higher moral authority.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men…
Colossians 3:23
Costly Faithfulness
Sometimes work becomes an idol. The more hours you work, the more standing you have or the more you are praised. Raises and bonuses come. This can show up as pressure or manipulation around attendance and sales. Or, in a non-profit context, manipulation or using guilt in giving, enrollments, or capital projects. This issue is not about profitable and revenue-generating enterprises; it is a heart condition that is expressed in pursuing them.
Another faithfulness tester is when things go sideways and get ugly. Are you telling the board, client, donor, or executive team the full truth when a cleaner or fictional story would protect the organization?
Prioritizing faith and family over work can be a very hard boundary to walk out. I’ve personally been ostracized as not a team player, not dedicated to the organization when not working a Sunday. Personally, I just changed my KPI. A flourishing marriage and family is a higher priority than what I achieve in the workplace. I probably only have 2 more summers with my kids. Two. Then they are adults living their own lives and do not want to hang around their parents. Work-life balance is real when measured by relational consequences.
Just because somebody has an idol does not mean you need to worship it too. Just because somebody lies does not mean you need to join them. That said, you also must be a steward of your time, talent, and treasure. Here, we focus on the first two.
Filtering Decisions through Christian Discernment and Judgment
When faced with difficult decisions or measurements that do not sit right with you, maybe ask yourself these questions to help filter through a biblical lens:
- What does this measurement actually reveal? Or conceal?
- What truth might be hidden, softened, or manipulated to preserve the goal?
- Is this decision consistent with the stated vision, mission, or values?
- Who is affected by this decision? Is there a power dynamic among those affected?
- Is this loving your neighbor and a God-honoring witness to non-believers?
- Is prayer or seeking wisdom needed for this decision?
Think Alignment, Not Formula
As I started with, KPIs are amoral. This is not to spiritualize a measurement. It’s to expose a heart condition. The underlying heart behind them brings them into a moral discussion. The West can be driven and obsessed with metrics to the point where they become idols and identity-forming. When measurements get to that extreme, that is where they collide with your theology.
Where has a number become more than a measure in your leadership? Is there something convicting or restricting your witness because of it?
