Biblical Business Leadership: STRESSНамуна

 8. The Secret of Jesus.

We would be remiss to close out this section on stress without reference to Jesus Christ himself.

Jesus never did any wrong, but he faced persecution, trial and conviction even so; finally being sentenced to death by his opponents.

Yet, Jesus never spoke out against his oppressors or called on the resources available to him as the Son of God. Instead, he simply submitted to the process and fulfilled the mission given to him by God.

Can you imagine such behavior in the corporate world today? 

Even if we think about trying that, our job, our team, and all that we might have built would simply be destroyed. Outrageous and unthinkable, we say.

Really?? Or does the life of Jesus have something to teach us about handling stress in our working lives as leaders? If so, what?

Jesus came to earth with a clear mission – to preach the gospel, establish his ministry, and die for our sins. Everything that happened was part of the bigger plan, part of his mission.

The primary insight that we might glean from the life of Jesus is this: He knew his purpose. He knew why he was on earth and what role He had to play.

Like Jesus, we know how the story ends. Our life is not our own, and our jobs on earth are not just to fill the time, to earn a living, or even just to apply our talents. We know that our life on earth is about bringing glory to God, honoring His name and touching others with the message of the gospel.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  – Matthew 22:37

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord...   – Colossians 3:23-24

Everything we do, and especially our leadership role at work fits to fulfill our mission, our purpose. 

As a reminder, we are not all created to be pastors, teachers or evangelists:

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people…  – Ephesians 4:11-12a

– but we are ALL created to glorify God and help build His Kingdom here on earth.

The example of Jesus’ life – and the message of our purpose – gives us a perspective that sets us free from whatever may happen at the office. No deadline, budget or cost-cutting mandates can take away the fact that we belong to God and are on mission in His Kingdom.

And, as we fulfill that objective, we are both accountable to and in the care of Jesus’ Father, God of the universe.

Can you now see how the following verse is so applicable even to our work situations?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  – Philippians 4:6-7

Reflection / Application

1. Our mission: God’s Kingdom. Can you see how your job can be used to help serve others and build God’s Kingdom? What is your specific responsibility in doing so?

2. Sometimes people only gain an eternal perspective when they are sick and down for the count. A tremendous advantage is available to all who grasp the meaning of life and their work here on earth before the end. Do you understand your purpose and mission here on earth?

3. “Do not be anxious about anything” sounds simple just like the slogan, “Do your best and let Jesus do the rest”. But it’s what the Bible teaches. Can you adopt this simple approach – or if you’re not there yet – what prevents you from doing so? What change can help you get there?