The newly sworn in governor of Alabama began his term with a promise to be a servant leader like Jesus Christ.

Gov. Robert Bentley, 67, took the oath of office Monday and challenged all state leaders to be true public servants.

"Jesus showed his disciples by example that in order to be a great leader, you must first be a servant," Bentley said is his inaugural address. "Now it is time that we the men and women elected by you remember this. We all work for the citizens of this state and we have 4.5 million bosses."

The Tuscaloosa native said that he won't let the federal government force policies on his state. He also promised to work on job creation every day.

The governor, a trained physician, said he will not accept a paycheck until the state reaches a level of defined full employment.

Bentley repeated the oath of office while placing his right hand on the state Bible, which has been used in the inauguration of every governor of the Yellowhammer State since 1853.