What if Jesus Sat in Your Chair?
In Scripture Jesus never ran a big business with lots of employees, but He did know what it was like to have people follow Him. And He certainly knew how to inspire people and those who followed Him to buy into what He taught. So what if Jesus sat in your chair and dealt with the people you see every day? How would He do things differently than you? What are you doing that Jesus would do?
Probably, the greatest leadership lesson that Jesus gave us was His humility. He had all power and authority, but the Apostle Paul highlighted Jesus’ humility and servant leadership in Philippians 2:5-11. Jesus humbled Himself and took on the form of a lowly servant.
Imagine leaving the glory and spender of heaven to take on human form and suffer injustice. That is exactly what Jesus did. Paul explained that Jesus is our example when it comes to servant leadership. Jesus never focused on just His own need. Jesus demonstrated His love by coming down to deal with our mess. Nothing was too good for Him to do even though He is better than anyone else who ever lived.
As Christian leaders, we are to follow Jesus’ example. Humility is not the sign of weakness, but the realization that we don’t need to be pushy or arrogant to get things done. Actually, people will respond better to managers who follow Jesus’ example. A humble leader knows how to ask for help, seek input and listen to those around him. A humble leader sets the tone by putting the focus on the greater good, not his own reputation or desires.
So how can you look more like Jesus at your workplace? Read the following verse and take some time this week to pray for areas where you can practice humility and sacrificial leadership at your company.
Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV)
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Action Steps
The only way to make a difference is to answer the great call to “Go” into the world. These ideas are simple ways you can make an impact as a person or a company.
1.) Pray for your city and area. Invite employees to come together once or twice a month during a break time to pray over local business challenges, political races, events in the news, etc. A good idea for prayer topics is the local metro section of your newspaper.
2.) Volunteer with local non-profits. Christians need to be out in the secular world. And while all the Christian charities are great, it is also important for Christians to participate in non-religious, non-profit organizations. Consider volunteering regularly with a local non-profit and be the best servant you can be. Then as often as possible get in conversation with others and see what comes out of it.
