Following Jesus

 

Jesus said:
“My sheep hear my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.”

When we make decisions that impact our family or work or others are we listening to the voice of a world that measures value in gains and losses, dollars made or lost – without regard to human dignity or others needs?

The fact that we are in a position of making decisions over others, whether it is the family or workplace or community means we have been given power over others. Much like our elected officials we need to consider what that means, what we are actually responsible for and who we are actually responsible to in executing our position.

Leadership is bigger than power and prestige or personal gain. Looking at our world today you would not realize it but leadership is about being responsible for others and the more power we have the more regard we must give for those who are under our direction.

The father who does not see his role as accountable to God will forget this and may even be more self serving than servant leader. The mother who believes her oversight of the family is more about making her life easier rather than providing for the needs of her holy children will raise children who do not know their value and holiness.

The business manager who sees others as mere resources will trample on souls and families in order to obtain more power and position. His work group will not be a place of commitment and loyalty. A place where men and women dedicate to a mission that sustains their families but will spend the time there, and for most of us that is the most of our lives, as a place of hellish struggle if not unimportant tasks all the while reflecting a passive aggressive nature. The work place becomes a little hell on earth because all that is accounted for is profit and power. Even in business, positions of power are to be seen as accountable to a God who expects generosity, charity and fairness.

What voice are we listening to, today?

How do we exercise our power in the world? How do we make decisions and what are our priorities?

Jesus says not only that his will hear his voice but also that he knows them and that they will follow him. Do we follow Jesus and his teachings when we parent our children, when we engage with our customers, when we make decisions for our employees.

That is following Jesus.

As Christians we are not allowed to compartmentalize our faith on Sunday and turn off his voice Monday through Saturday.

Decision makers, parents and leaders in all walks of life must remember that they too are accountable to a higher boss. One that is not counting dollars or market share or even effective management style….but love.

The voice of Jesus Christ is always calling us to love others around us. If we are truly listening we will provide homes where our children know love and charity and as they find father and mother holy and loving they will be able to hear a God’s call of love too.

If we are truly listening we will provide workplaces where we see the value of the human being not as a “human resource” – what an ugly word, but as a holy child of God we have the serious responsibility to provide a place for in our team. Corporate America does not need to be only focused on profit and exacting accountability. There is room for generosity, fairness and second chances.

Jesus said:
“My sheep hear my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.”

Who are we following today? What voice are we listening to and reacting to as parents and leaders?