God’s goal: God wants us to follow the Way of Jesus. Jesus wants us to love our co-workers and always serve others. We should place ourselves last. We should be prepared, at all costs, to follow Jesus.

Consider this from Jesus about leadership.

A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.  And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.  But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.  For whom is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

Luke 22:24-30

In the Way of Jesus, he has a lot to say about whether we are leaders or not. Jesus would certainly never say your profession and goal is to be a leader. Jesus says exactly the opposite. Jesus would not say your profession is the be a servant-leader. Jesus would not say your profession is a CPA, IT specialist or many other common professions.

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields because of my name will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Matthew 19:27-30

So, what would Jesus say? Jesus would say your focus in work is to be a servant and a slave. Always be last. Sacrifice and put others first. That is all there is to do. It never changes. When we do that, we will be made first. That may include what others call leadership positions. Our choice is to serve. Because of our service, others may choose to make us first.

Jesus was quite explicit about the cost of following Him. Discipleship requires a totally committed life. We must be all in. We must give up everything for Jesus.

Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple

(Luke 14:33)

This is the Way of Jesus. This is what Jesus thinks of leadership. We are not to regard ourselves as the greatest. Our employers may want us to see ourselves that way. Jesus knows better. We are not to lord it over others. A leader is one who serves. That is it.