I have taken to watching another one of those “Reality Shows” on Sunday night-you would think that I had better things to do! But I am watching Undercover Boss (let me say that quietly as I have found these shows to be silly and beneath me).
 

     The premise of this show is that each week some highly paid CEO of a well-known company relinquishes his wood-paneled board room for the real world experience of his employees. No personal secretary. No private lavatory. No corner office. No luxury car. No sumptuous lunches.
 

     For a week he/she uses the public phone, if calls are allowed; stands in line for the facilities; works the line or in a cubicle office; catches a taxi to work, or drives an old car; and eats cafeteria food, or brings a bag lunch. In other words: he/she experiences life as most people do.

     At the end of the week, the Undercover Boss reveals his/her true identity to the poor unsuspecting souls, and he/she comments on lessons learned (there is usually some tear-jerker story involved as well and a humble admission that he/she learned a great deal).

     It is all well and good, but, personally, I like Dan Cathay’s way a bit better. Dan Cathay is the CEO of Chick-Fil-A. Having given up beef for Lent, I have had more than my share of chicken sandwiches. I was fortunate enough to recently have dinner with Mr. Cathay and to be inspired by his way of doing business and dealing with his employees.

     Dan Cathay has a Christ-like way of doing business—remember that Chick-Fil-A is closed on Sunday, and still does more business in six days than any of their competition does in seven days! He also brings a shoe brush to work. He doesn’t mind getting down on his knees to shine the shoes of another and even sent 1,400 shoe brushes to his owner/managers. He is an astute businessman who is mindful of, and not ashamed, of the deep influence of his faith on his life.

     It is hard to find servant-hood leadership in the world today. I guess that is why I hold a special place in my heart for those who exemplify it.

     The reality show, Undercover Boss , makes a big deal out of this weekly departure from the boardroom to the workroom, but none have yet done what Jesus Christ did when He left Glory to dwell among, and die for, humanity. And I have yet to see a Dan Cathay type. 

     Jesus Christ has not asked anyone that I know personally to go to the Cross, but we have all been called to be more servant minded as we seek to be His witness in the world. Personally, I would be happy if I could just get to the level of a former D.S. of mine, Reverend G., who in his humble service seeks in each word and deed to exemplify the presence of Christ in his life. 

     Seeking to be Christ-like, we must learn the true meaning of servant-hood and seek to be as those who would be mindful of the needs of others around us. Truly, fulfillment in life is found in the heart of the one who recognizes that it is down on our knees that we come closest to understanding the heart of Christ.

Have a blessed day. I wish you joy.