I will continue to reflect on what was said to me by a fellow “Christian.” My fellow “Christian” who happened to be my “boss” (principal of a public high school in Placer County, California) said to me, “Paul, you and I are Christians. You know I attend Sea Side Church (fictitious name). I hate to tell you this, but you need to leave Jesus Christ in the parking lot.”
That was the catalyst. The clarion call.
Who is my boss? The high school principal or Jesus Christ?
Beginning my freshmen year in college (1984-85), I began my life as a Christian.
From that time to now, I know Jesus Christ is my Lord. My Savior. Died on a cross for my sins. Yet, I never really considered him my “boss.” He was just there.
My fellow “Christian’s” directive was a message from God. “You (Paul) have a choice to make. Am I (Jesus Christ) your boss or is this “Christian” your boss? Who are you going to follow?”
Well, I wish I had answered that question sooner, but better late than never!
On October 6, 2021 (six months later), by this same fellow “Christian” (who was elevated to a higher position in the district), I was told not to tell my students, “I love ya” and “stop using social media.”
“Paul, do you hear me (Jesus Christ) yet? You are not allowed to say, ‘I love you?’ Isn’t that what I am teaching you, Paul? As it says in the Book of John, ‘34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” As an American in a country founded on My (Jesus Christ) principles, you are to have freedom of speech. Your grandfather was killed to protect that right. Your son is willing to sacrifice his life for you to have that right! Who are you going to really choose this time, Paul? Are you going to choose this fellow “Christian” as your boss or Me?”
On December 20, 2023, it will be the two year anniversary of me saying, “I choose Jesus Christ as my Boss” and finally, I am starting to accept the idea He is my Boss. I work for Him. I don’t work for the current school I am at. I work there and get things done, but I do those things in honor of Jesus Christ, not for the school. That mind-set is going to be with me from now until I die. I don’t work for you. I work for HIM.
When you choose to have Jesus Christ as your “Boss” be ready for sacrifices to be made. Know friends and unfortunately family are going to walk away and think you are off the deep end. Know you place your career in jeopardy. You will not be hired because you are Christian and yet, you will be hired because you are Christian. I wish I was hired because I am competent at my job (smile), not because of my race, gender, ethnicity, or even faith (shows my age – hahaha).
I will give you an example of why I need to have Jesus Christ as my Boss. With my new job, I am helping develop and do a discipline program at a local charter school. The “scholars” know me know as “that guy.” They are not that happy to see me come into their classroom to pull them out for “detention” (I have used my “Maxwell Teaching” and named it “Lunch & Learn”). When they hear they don’t have “detention,” they cheer! I have to do all I can not to take their joy in not having “detention” as NOT a sign of them not wanting to be with me. Also, how rude and mean they can be to me. Teenagers are pretty darn mean now-a-days. Mean to the point that they don’t know they are being mean. It’s just who they are. It hurts. Don’t get me wrong. I feel for these “Lunch & Learners'” teachers who have them everyday. Therefore, I really need to do this part of my job knowing that Jesus Christ believes this is His mission for me. He believes I am His vessel. He will get to these “young adults” through me. I am there to help these children be better people.
When you choose to have Jesus Christ as your “Boss” be ready for all the wonderful “benee-s” (benefits) that come from your new BOSS! Increased patience. Kindness. You find yourself not being envious of others and not bragging about your accomplishments because those accomplishments are HIS accomplishments. You find yourself not behaving inappropriately (that will take time; I still sin). He doesn’t keep an account of your wrong. I could go on, but I know you get the picture. (BTW – Just curious. How does your current boss’s benefits for you and your colleagues compare to Jesus Christ’s benefits? (wink)
Jesus Christ is THE best Boss I have ever worked for. Don’t get me wrong. I do enjoy working for the people I currently work with and many people I have previously worked with, but there is something special about working for / with Jesus Christ. I strongly encourage you (especially at this time of year), to work for Jesus Christ. Let Him be your Boss! It’s a good life. It’s a simple life (not an easier life).
Scripture to support the article:
Ephesians 1:21 PEV (Plain English Version) – Jesus is now the biggest boss. He is bigger than all the other bosses everywhere, and he is bigger than all the spirits everywhere. He is the big boss over everyone in this world now, and he’s the big boss over everyone in the world that will come later. Not one of them is stronger than Jesus. Only Jesus has God’s power.
1 Peter 2:25 – 25 For there was a time when you were like sheep that wandered from the fold, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your lives.
Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Colossians 2:15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him.
Daniel 7:27 And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; His kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.