The Metrics Monster and the Mercy of God

The fated question arrives, the one that’s floated to me with ease and nonchalance but ties my stomach up in knots: “What are your current sales numbers?” 

And so the metrics beast has appeared at my door, again. 

He’s usually wearing respectable garb, something to hide the monster beneath the suit. Everyone needs clothing, of course. But I’m not fooled. I can see his menacing eyes and sharp claws, that he’s ready to unnerve me and swallow me whole. Or so it seems.

Here I am again, surveying my reaction to the monster and hoping that what I find might help you too. Because we all have monsters at our door. For you, it may not be sales metrics that quantify your value and worth; but what is the thing that ties your stomach up in knots? What threatens your confidence and makes you wonder if you’re okay?

Now, I realize the illustration falls short because the problem isn’t actually the monster; the problem is my jumpy, insecure heart (Gen. 4:7; Jer. 17:9). The monsters—or metrics—just scare the problem right out of me. Christian publishers, in this example, are stewards of God’s gifts trying to make ends meet, and there’s a bottom line for them. This makes sense to me. 

Even still, the bottom line feels like a respectably-clothed monster sometimes. And he’s scary. 

Here’s what’s on my mind—what I’m reminding myself of today—and if you’re a writer or a business person or in ministry or a parent or human, I’m praying these thoughts encourage you:

God’s bottom line has nothing to do with your performance and everything to do with his Son’s perfection. Whew.

God’s kingdom isn’t built on metrics but on mercy. Big whew. 

God’s “well done” is a reward not for how well-liked you are in the world’s estimation but because you are beloved in his eyes. Mercy.

Those of us who write pray for favor, to be highly valued and “bought out” in a sense. But ultimately, we rest in God’s favor that has been unchangingly, undeservedly purchased for us. As a brother in Christ and fellow writer has commented, “When you’re all about the numbers, no number can ever satisfy. Instead, the number you think will satisfy you will always remain elusive and out of reach.” So true. Thanks, Tim.

So when the metrics monster shows up, I don’t want to be bowled over, just reminded of where my confidence rests, where my sure footing stands. His mercy will hold me fast as my sin is exposed, and his grace will strengthen me to press on in faithfulness, no matter the outcome.

And maybe, just maybe, the knock at the door won’t be so scary next time.