The Ultimate Example of Humility and Obedience: Jesus Christ and Its Lessons for Christian Businesses

Jesus came to earth in human form as a servant. He was both born and died in humility, demonstrating a model of selflessness that should resonate deeply within Christian businesses.

Philippians 2:8 "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" 

His humility was not performative but flowed naturally from a life devoted to obedience to God’s will. In a similar way, Paul encouraged his readers to emulate this humility, urging them to follow the example of Christ and himself in serving others with integrity and obedience to God.

This profound reflection offers timeless guidance for business leaders seeking to honor God through their work. Jesus’ life of servanthood calls Christian businesses to prioritize service over profit, humility over pride, and obedience to God’s will over worldly gain. From His lowly birth in a manger to His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus set the ultimate example of leadership that is grounded in love, humility, and purpose.

Paul’s mention of the cross reminds us that its meaning extends far beyond physical suffering. In the first century, the cross symbolized shame and degradation—a form of execution reserved for the worst criminals. Jesus did not die as a celebrated hero but endured the most humiliating and public death imaginable. Philippians 2:8 reminds us that His sacrifice reveals that true leadership involves humility and the willingness to serve, even at great personal cost.

For Christian businesses, this truth holds a powerful lesson. The marketplace often rewards self-promotion and competition, but Christ calls us to a higher standard. Success in God’s kingdom is not measured by the accumulation of wealth or accolades but by how faithfully we serve others. Mark 10:45 reminds us: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus’ humility extended beyond the cross and was evident throughout His earthly ministry. He chose to associate with the marginalized, washed His disciples’ feet, and often placed others’ needs above His own. This attitude of servanthood challenges Christian business leaders to focus on building organizations that reflect God’s love and justice. How can our products, services, or workplace culture demonstrate humility and care for others? Are we treating employees, customers, and stakeholders with the respect and dignity that reflect the heart of Christ?

Paul urged believers to adopt this same mindset. In Philippians 2:3-4, he wrote, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” For a Christian business, this means shifting the focus from self-centered growth to serving the needs of others—customers, employees, and the broader community.

Jesus’ obedience to the Father’s will also challenges Christian businesses to make decisions rooted in faith and trust in God. In John 6:38, Jesus declared, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will but the will of Him who sent Me.” Obedience requires submitting our goals and strategies to God’s direction, even when it means taking the less popular or less profitable route.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus faced the ultimate test of obedience. Despite the anguish of the impending crucifixion, He prayed, Matthew 26:39: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” This moment of surrender teaches Christian businesses the importance of trusting God’s plan, even in uncertainty or adversity. Business challenges, like market fluctuations or difficult decisions, should lead us to seek God’s guidance rather than relying solely on human wisdom.

Paul’s own life mirrored this commitment to humility and obedience. As a former persecutor of Christians, he became a tireless servant of Christ, enduring hardships, imprisonment, and persecution for the sake of the Gospel. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, he recounts his sufferings, yet he counted them as nothing compared to the joy of knowing Christ and advancing His mission. Christian businesses can learn from Paul’s example by embracing challenges as opportunities to grow in faith and serve God’s purposes.

The resurrection of Jesus reminds us that humility and obedience are not in vain. Philippians 2:9-11 declares: “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.” Just as Christ’s humility led to His exaltation, businesses that honor God will experience His blessings in ways that go beyond earthly success.

For a Christian business, the cross becomes a symbol of transformative leadership. It calls us to lay down self-interest and take up the mission of serving others for God’s glory. Luke 9:23 challenges us: “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” This approach to business may seem countercultural, but it reflects the eternal values of God’s kingdom.

Humility does not mean a lack of ambition, but rather a redirection of ambition toward God’s purposes. It means pursuing excellence in our work while seeking to glorify God and bless others. Micah 6:8 offers clear guidance: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Every decision, from hiring practices to community engagement, provides an opportunity to reflect Christ’s humility. Christian businesses are called to model ethical leadership, prioritize people over profits, and use their resources to make a positive impact on the world. By doing so, they can serve as a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

The life and death of Jesus Christ offer profound lessons for Christian businesses. His humility, obedience, and servanthood challenge us to redefine success according to God’s standards. As we build businesses that reflect these values, we participate in God’s redemptive work, shining His light in the marketplace and beyond. May we always remember that our ultimate mission is not to build empires on earth but to glorify God and advance His kingdom. Matthew 6:33 reminds us: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Let this be the guiding principle for every Christian business, as we strive to live and work for His glory.