Hebrews 13:17 - You Are In The Soul Business

I believe that there are certain Bible verses that every CEO and leader needs to know. The wisdom of the Bible is timeless, and it still works in our world today. Today, I want to share with you a few thoughts on Hebrews 13:17

Let’s get real. Leadership is more than deadlines, boardrooms, and bottom lines. If you’re a Christian CEO, your mission goes beyond your next product launch or revenue target. Your true calling? Souls. Yes, souls.

Hebrews 13:17 conveys a sobering truth: "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."

Did you catch that? You’re not just managing operations—you’re keeping watch over souls. And guess what? You’ll have to give an account for how you lead.

This is more than leadership—it’s stewardship. Let’s break this down into three bold challenges every Christian CEO must tackle.

1. Your Leadership Is a Divine Assignment

Forget what the world says about leadership being about power or prestige. Leadership is a soul assignment.

Every team member, every stakeholder, and every client is someone God has placed in your life for a reason. The way you lead them can either build them up or tear them down. So ask yourself:

• Are you cultivating an environment where people thrive spiritually and emotionally?
• Or are you simply driving productivity at the expense of their well-being?

God didn’t call you to build a company that’s only profitable. He called you to build a company that makes an eternal impact.

2. Heaven Is Watching Your Boardroom

Here’s the deal: You’re not just accountable to shareholders—you’re accountable to God.

One day, you’ll stand before Him and give a full report. And trust me, He won’t be asking about your EBITDA. He’ll ask:

• Did you acknowledge Jesus with your business?
• Did you treat people with dignity and respect?
• Did your leadership point others to Him?

Your P&L statement in Heaven will be measured in lives changed, not dollars earned. So, what’s your heavenly ROI?

3. Make Joy Your Competitive Advantage

Let’s face it—no one wants to work in a soul-crushing environment. Hebrews 13:17 calls out leaders to inspire joy, not groaning.

Here’s the kicker: Joy isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a leadership strategy. Joyful employees are more engaged, creative, and productive. But beyond that, joy is a Kingdom value.

So how do you create a workplace that radiates joy?

• Celebrate wins—big and small.
• Lead with compassion and grace.
• Build a culture where people feel valued, heard, and loved.

A joyful workplace reflects the heart of God—and that kind of culture can transform lives.

One More Second Step Comment?

Christian CEOs, this is your wake-up call. The world doesn’t need more leaders chasing profits; it needs leaders chasing purpose.

Here’s your challenge:

• Recommit to leading as a steward, not an owner.
• Focus on heavenly ROI—lives changed, not just numbers hit.
• Build a culture of joy that reflects God’s love.

Drop a comment below and share how you’re living out your faith in your leadership. Let’s encourage each other to lead boldly, faithfully, and joyfully.

Because in the end, it’s not about the legacy you leave on Earth. It’s about the legacy you leave in Heaven.

Send me your favorite Bible verse or leave it in the comments below.