servant leadership

Jesus is Your Business Core

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

Colossians 1:15-17

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

At the end of teaching each course, I leave students with one thought to carry with them throughout their business career. That paradigm is to always remember Jesus Christ is the core of your business.

In our culture today, people are taught that the primary purpose of business is to make money. Yet when profit becomes the main thing, greed explodes.  Then carnal desire rises to prominence. Afterward the fall from pride leads to pain and suffering for all stakeholders holding the last card. How many people have lost their retirement investments by someone who built a business upon smoke and mirrors? Business without moral discipline causes greater problems than if the business never began.

Even when businesses are economically successful, they may struggle with internal division. Labor and management battle between themselves. The end result is low morale and an unengaged culture.

Business, like lives, need to be built on a strong foundation to survive the storms of life. Otherwise, the economic community may collapse into ruin from the sheer weight of poor decisions.

Yet as Christ-followers we are privileged to know the reality of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians to emphasize the important position Jesus holds over all creation. And as HIS servant, we now enjoy the honor of participating with HIM as stewards of HIS domain.

So if you are given the opportunity to operate a business, Christ’s teachings will give you greater insight into how best to serve your customer.

No, following Christ does not guarantee a successful venture. The weak link will always be you, me or outside uncontrollable events. But allowing HIM to lead you, coach you, and discipline you, will prepare you for eternity. Isn’t this HIS primary macro purpose for us? The business is simply a vehicle to provide for your family, other families, and the community while glorifying HIM through good work.

Yes, when Jesus Christ is the core of your business, you allow your faith to support HIM and serve your customers as HIS witness. The byproduct is freedom to live your faith. The opportunity is to flourish within HIS creation. And real fulfillment is found serving others with HIM.      

So always remember: Jesus Christ is the core of your business.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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The Real Issue

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

1 Corinthians 1:23

“…but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles…(ESV)

Some days I shake my head in disbelief at the cultural confusion caused by illogical and unreasonable leaders pushing their personal agenda without considering the long-term consequences.

When a society bullies those who are less fortunate to maintain their positional status, then it is only time before they themselves experience the same fortune.

I remember in grade school playing a game called “king of the hill.” There was a four-foot mound of dirt that was considered the hill. Someone would stand at the top of this small hill and fight to keep everyone else off of it. The one who would knock the person off the mound would receive the right to stand on the hill and claim the kingship role. As young boys full of energy and rowdiness, we would spend lunch time pushing each other off to gain control of the top. The one who remained standing when the lunch period ended was considered the king for the day.

As an adult, I look at many of the games being played in the institutional, governmental, and business arena and I recall the king of the hill game. Young, immature boys and girls are still playing the same game, but the consequences and stakes are substantially higher. But now instead of finishing the day with a few people with torn pants and bruised shinbones, large groups of people are being displaced, families torn apart, and communities abandoned by those whom they need most.

Leaders find themselves in shock when people do not want to follow them. When leaders quit serving the people and become autocrats, they have lost their way. But even though many have told them that, they do not want to relinquish their position at the top of the hill. Instead, they keep fighting to stay at the top.

At the end of the day, I am more sure than ever before of the importance of Jesus Christ in one’s life. When you meet people who have accepted being accountability to Him, their lives take on a whole new venue. They are no longer blinded by their carnal desires. Instead, a new Spirit of service toward others and trust in a Master Designer who we call God has a purpose which He gladly shares with us, and we are humbly grateful for this opportunity.

Yes, many who do not know Him continue their blatantly destructive ways because He doesn’t have what they want. Rather than pursue Him and put Him to the test, they rely on their self-importance to get what they want from life – no matter who or what they have to destroy along the way.

Yes, the real issue is choosing to follow Him or not. For those who have chosen, they have found a richer meaning to life that pleasures of money or power, or fame cannot even come close to duplicate. For those who have not decided to follow the King of Kings, they keep stumbling around, showcasing their ignorance as brilliance, and fearful someone will soon knock them off the top of their hill.

Keep preaching Christ through your actions. Maybe use a few words when necessary. And hopefully, those around you will soon realize what the real issue is and make the decision to accept the reality of Jesus Christ. Yes, the Jewish faith can’t accept HIS accomplishment on the cross and likewise the Gentiles find the cross to be mentally foolish, but for those who acknowledge Jesus Christ and his finished work on the cross can only marvel and humbly submit themselves under HIS authority.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager, Faith-Integrator, Scribbler

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Servant Leadership Trap

Dr. Mike 2020, Traps , ,

John 12:26

If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

The secular concept of servant leadership being taught is causing more harm than good. In the various books and sermons, I have read or heard, the worldly perspective is to respond to others based on their desires. Like most lies, half the truth is being taught but the remaining more important aspect is left behind.

The Biblical view of servant leadership is Christ-centered to the core. The focus is not the other individual, but Jesus Christ.

One Biblical example used is how Jesus washed the feet of His disciples at his last supper before his death. The worldly view emphasizes how He took on the role of a servant and washed the feet of his students. But let’s review the details.

First, He recognized a need. Secondly, He behaved after His Father (John 5:19). He responded by setting aside His role as Rabbi, and took on the role of a servant. Thirdly, when He came to Peter, Peter did not want his feet washed. Fourthly, in the worldly view, He would have agreed to his wishes and passed on him to the next disciple, but didn’t. Jesus instead exercised His authority and responded to the purpose of the moment. Fifthly, Peter changed his mind based on Jesus’ focus on honoring His Father’ purpose rather than Peter’s desires. Sixth, Jesus continued to finish washing their feet. Lastly, He then demonstrated the purpose behind his behavior.

Servant-leadership is Christ-centered to the core. As Jesus was centered around His Father’s heart, so are we around Jesus’ heart. Leadership first center’s around following the authority in one’s life before exercising the outcome. Servant leadership reaches out to uplift those around you as Jesus instructs. No job is too small nor too large when He is your primary focus. He will provide you with the wisdom, support, and heart to serve those around you. You just need to remain in Him and trust Him for the outcome. Our role is to be the hands and feet while the Holy Spirit works.

As Mother Teresa would so often state, when she served those with leprosy, she would look into their face and see the face of Jesus. That is a perfect example of servant leadership.  

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360
Author of e-Books:

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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