God Calls Us Friends: Navigating Leadership with a Christ-Centered Approach
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.
I can’t hear that verse or write this newsletter without hearing the song, ‘I am a friend of God,’ by Israel Houghton from back in the day! In fact,
listen to it HERE while you read!
The lyrics are simple yet profound:
Who am I that You are mindful of me
That You hear me when I call
Is it true that You are thinking of me
How You love me it’s amazing
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
He calls me friend
Imagine, just as the disciples heard from Jesus during the Last Supper, we too are called friends by Jesus. It's not just a biblical story; it's our reality. We are friends of God – a truth that defines who we are.
What does this mean for us, especially as women in leadership and business? In John 15:15, Jesus distinguishes us from mere servants to FRIENDS This is not about blind obedience but about fellowship and friendship. Our Creator, savior, God himself seeks a true relationship with us that goes beyond service and obedience but with motivation that comes from love.
True friendship involves the sharing of information and responsibilities. Jesus gives full disclosure to His “friends.” He withholds nothing they need from them, and we should hold nothing back from Him, either. Especially when it comes to where we are called to lead like our businesses or in our careers.
Just like a good dinner with a group of friends sharing wine, good food, and conversation, God desires that same conversation with us. He longs for it and really, the longing we have in our hearts is for Him, too.
So, this month as we look at WHO we are and WHO God says we are as business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs, just remember that not only did God love you first and die on the cross for you, but the savior of the world has also called you FRIEND! Here are some practical ways to deepen this divine friendship in our professional lives:
Start Your Day in Conversation: Begin each morning with prayer and meditating on His word, inviting God into your day's work and decisions.
Apply Godly Wisdom: In business decisions, ask yourself, "Have I prayed about this and does this align with God’s word?" Let this guide your choices.
Create a Supportive Community: Surround yourself with other Christian women leaders. Share experiences and encourage one another in maintaining a Christ-centered approach to business. Join our CW membership and/or get IN on a CW cirlce.
Reflect on Your Identity: Regularly remind yourself of your identity in Christ, especially in challenging situations. Remember, you are more than a business leader; you are a friend of God. One way you can do that is my reading the “I am” statements that were in your Created Woman Membership Toolkit for March.
Seek Balance: Ensure your work doesn't overshadow your walk with God. Balance your professional ambitions with your personal relationship with Jesus.
Remember, being a friend of God isn't just about serving; it's about fellowship, mutual sharing, and growing together. Embrace this relationship in every aspect of your life, and let it guide you to be the woman God created you to be.