Friends with the Boss

No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.–John 15:15

Once upon a time, a jokester posted this sign at his workplace: “The beatings will continue until morale improves.”

Whether a leader is a small business owner overseeing a few workers or a president of a large corporation with hundreds of individuals on the payroll, a leader is responsible for motivating his or her employees to complete a goal. The manner in which a “boss” interacts with his or her staff determines the effectiveness of any organization, whether the workforce consists of volunteers or highly paid executives.

Physical “beatings” are not an appropriate means of inspiration, but, unfortunately, many supervisors intentionally intimidate their employees verbally, mentally, and emotionally. As a result, an organization is saturated with fear, mistrust, and resentment.
A leader must know the right way to motivate the right people at the right time in order to get the right results.

Conversely, exemplary and productive employees will complete the tasks they are assigned effectively. Jerry Clower once said, “The key to being a good employee is to find out who the boss is and, then, do what the boss says!”

During the time of Christ, slavery was common. Slaves or “servants” were treated as property and were not given any rights. A servant’s master or “lord” was in complete control. Harsh consequences were served to any servant who was not cooperative.

While at times Paul used the term “slave” to indicate his submission to Christ, he consistently trumpeted the joy of being a slave for Jesus in comparison with the emptiness of being enslaved in sin.

In John 15:15, Jesus underscored he did not view his followers as hired servants or slaves. Jesus said, “I have called you friends.” For Jesus, he considered his followers “friends,” because he had communicated with them on an intimate level. Jesus had shared His heart with them. Since he was the Son of God, he had actually shared the heart of God with them. They knew why he had been sent to earth. While they did not understand all of the far reaching implications, He had shared with his friends that he would have to die. Even more puzzling to his disciples, Jesus told them he was come back to life after he died.

After the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the disciples were empowered with the Holy Spirit and this little band of men spread the Gospel throughout the world in relatively “warp speed.” Why? Well, their friend Jesus had told them what was going to happen. When they saw him post-crucifixion, post-death, they knew they had a true friend. Also, they were compelled to let people know that they could be a friend of God, too.

Consequently, God should not be seen as a boss just waiting to fire you in grand “Donald Trumpian” style. He certainly is the boss, but always remember he’s on your side. Jesus is your friend. He did not, and is not, hiding the truth from you. He loves you.