Want to Be First? Lead by Serving, Just as Jesus Taught
In the world of business, success is often measured by power, influence, and financial gain. Many strive to be first, to stand above their competition, and to establish themselves as leaders in their industries. Yet, in Mark 9:35, Jesus teaches a radically different perspective on leadership and greatness: “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” This principle, though countercultural in today’s corporate environment, is the foundation of true, lasting success for Christian entrepreneurs, business leaders, and organizations that seek to operate according to biblical wisdom.
The world tells us that leadership is about authority, control, and personal achievement. However, Jesus demonstrated that true leadership is about humility and service. He did not demand recognition, nor did He seek to be placed above others. Instead, He washed the feet of His disciples, healed the sick, and sacrificed Himself for the sake of others. If the Son of God, the King of Kings, led by serving, how much more should those who follow Him do the same in their businesses and workplaces?
Christian business leaders are called to embrace servant leadership, an approach that prioritizes the well-being of employees, customers, and stakeholders above personal ambition. This means leading with humility, making decisions that honor God rather than simply maximizing profit, and fostering a culture where people are valued rather than exploited. A servant leader does not view their employees as mere resources to be used but as individuals created in the image of God, deserving of respect, care, and encouragement.
Businesses that adopt this biblical model of leadership create environments where people flourish. Employees who feel valued and supported become more engaged, loyal, and motivated. When leaders put others first, trust is built, morale improves, and innovation thrives. The result is not only a healthier workplace culture but also a stronger, more resilient organization. Jesus’ words remind us that true greatness is not found in self-promotion but in selfless service.
In addition to internal leadership, Christian business owners must extend this principle to their customers and communities. Rather than seeking to dominate the market or outmaneuver competitors through unethical means, they should focus on how their products and services can genuinely serve others. This requires honesty, integrity, and a commitment to excellence—not for the sake of profit alone, but because excellence reflects the character of God. A business built on servanthood does not manipulate customers for financial gain but seeks to provide true value, improving lives in the process.
Faith-based businesses should also look beyond their own success and consider how they can bless their communities. This could mean providing job opportunities for those in need, supporting charitable initiatives, or using company resources to advance Kingdom work. When a business is operated with a heart for service, God blesses it in ways that go beyond financial prosperity. He uses it as a tool to bring His love, justice, and righteousness into the world.
Many Christian entrepreneurs struggle with the tension between ambition and faith. They wonder if striving for success contradicts their calling to serve. But Jesus does not condemn ambition itself; rather, He redefines it. The desire to succeed is not wrong when it is rooted in a desire to glorify God and serve others. When we seek success for the sake of power, recognition, or wealth, we miss the mark. But when we pursue success as a means to bless others and advance God’s Kingdom, we are fulfilling His purpose.
This principle also applies to partnerships and networking in business. Too often, professionals seek relationships that can benefit them, approaching others with a transactional mindset. But a Christ-centered approach sees business relationships as opportunities to give rather than to take. Instead of asking, “How can this person help me?” a servant leader asks, “How can I help them?” This shift in perspective leads to meaningful, lasting relationships built on trust, rather than superficial connections driven by self-interest.
Living out this calling requires faith. The world teaches that putting yourself first is the only way to get ahead, but Jesus teaches that putting others first is the way to true success. It may seem counterintuitive, and it may even appear to put Christian business leaders at a disadvantage at times. But God’s ways are higher than the world’s ways. He is faithful to those who trust Him, and He blesses those who walk in obedience to His Word.
When we follow the example of Christ in our businesses, we are not just building companies—we are building testimonies. We are showing the world that there is a different way to lead, one that does not rely on self-promotion or ruthless competition but on faith, humility, and service. We are demonstrating that true leadership is not about being served but about serving. And in doing so, we are living out the very words of Christ: “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”
For Christian business leaders, the call to serve is not an option—it is the very foundation of a Kingdom-driven enterprise. By embracing this calling, we not only find true fulfillment but also become vessels through which God’s love and wisdom flow into the marketplace. Those who lead with a servant’s heart may not always be first in the eyes of the world, but they will be first in the eyes of God, and His reward is far greater than anything this world can offer.
