Jesus, The Business Consultant?

Is it possible to run a “successful” business without compromising your Christianity? What is your definition of success, you may ask? In our world, unfortunately, a successful business must be one that produces an infinite amount of money. However, while trying to reach this goal of wealth, people will compromise their morals, that is, if they have any. How can we, as Christians, display to our world that a business governed by God, through His people, can be successful?

As we all know, leadership is a very necessary key to the success of a business. Well then, why not learn from the greatest leader who ever lived? Jesus Christ! Would you hire Jesus as a consultant for your business? Of course! He is the master in the art of leadership! Below is a list of the many different issues that Jesus faced in the Bible. You will find that they are not all that different from the challenges that those in the business world face every day.

• Training and Development

  “When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” Matthew 10:23

  Jesus was teaching his twelve disciples to be prepared and diligent in their mission of spreading God's word, for it would be a long journey and they would grow weary.

• Patience and Communication

  That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parable, saying:...... Matthew 13:1-3

  On this same day, Jesus told several parables to the same group of people. (Found in Matthew 13:3-35)

  Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” Matthew 13:36

  Jesus then proceeded to tell his disciples even more parables. (Found in Matthew 13:37-52)

  The series of the parables in the Bible display the abundant amount of patience that Jesus had with His disciples. Unlike many, He continued to preach to those who sought God's truth, even though He was in desperate need of rest.

  Jesus was, as well, a great example of providing perfect communication with the common man. His followers were many times non-scholars and illiterate. By using parables, He was able to communicate the word of God in a way they could relate to.

• Constant Scrutiny and Challenges

  The Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me,” John 10:24-25

  Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?”

  Jesus was given many challenges, and even after overcoming them, people did not believe that He was the son of God. However, He continued to fulfill His Father's plan among the disbelief and lack of support that was cast upon Him by man.

• Betrayal

  Then one of the Twelve-the one called Judas Iscariot-went to the chief priests and asked, “What will you give me if I hand him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Matthew 26:14

  Despite the betrayal of Judas, which Jesus predicted, He continued on with His duties that the Father had predestined for Him to complete. This betrayal did not hinder Christ from fulfilling His purpose.

• Temptations of Instantaneous Gratification and Power

  Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Matthew 4:8-11

  Even after the long and tiring temptation that Jesus went through, He did not give in to the ways of Satan. He chose to take the righteous path, though longer and harder, over the temporary and sinful path that Satan offered Him.

• Pain and Suffering in the Service of the Greatest Good

  Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull(which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified him, and with him two others-one on each side and Jesus in the middle. John 19:16-18

Look what Christ has accomplished through all of His pain, agony, and frustration. He sacrificed His life so that we may live. He has washed away our sins and purified our hearts. From this list I would say that Jesus is more than highly qualified for the job of being anyone's personal business consultant. No one can compare.