I went from running machinery in a large factory into management.

The transition was difficult. Going from taking orders to giving them went to my head. I grew calloused and hardened. Upper management seemed to judge supervisors by how many discipline slips we issued or how many people we fired.

Upper management liked me. But I didn’t.

Years later, one day at church, our pastor referred to Nicodemus as a closet Christian. The next several days were challenging for me, for I knew I, too, was a closet Christian.

I had to make changes in my life.

I started attending Bible studies and became involved in many of the activities. I found myself smiling more and not being so judgemental. Jesus Christ became more important to me.

I started looking at people who worked for me differently, becoming more sympathetic to their challenges. I would talk to them instead of issuing discipline and counsel those who had ambiguous attitudes.

Life became much more challenging, but very rewarding to me. People started giving suggestions on how to make jobs easier. Workman compensation issues became almost nonexistent. Continuous improvement became standard.

Leadership means making choices that are in the best interests of those you lead. And none lead by better example than Christ. Praise be to God for the triumphs Jesus brings to our lives!