Reflections on COVID-19 and Easter


The four things that the book Strength Based Leadership says that people want (and follow) in leaders:

Strengths Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People ...

1. Trust

2. Stability

3. Hope

4. Compassion

(From my paraphrase):
1. Trust - the leader inspires trust
2. Stability - the leader provides a sense of stability, resolve
3. Hope - the leader produces hope and points to a greater future
4. Compassion - the leader demonstrates merciful thinking and a compassionate heart

For anyone in any form of leadership during COVID-19, these four traits will be critical.
Do people trust you? Have you demonstrated strong character?
Are you stable? Are you caring for yourself well?
Do you inspire hope in others? Are you an opportunist?
Are you compassionate?

When we are pushed to our limits and put to the test, our true character shines through more clearly.
Will we step up with resolve and resiliency?
Will we remain hopeful?
Will we consider others and show mercy?

The truth is, we can't. We panic. We get anxiety. We act out of fear. We consider ourselves first before thinking of others. We seek comfort or distraction. Only when we realize how short we fall can we turn to Jesus, the true and greatest leader.

Jesus is in control.
Jesus is always good.
Jesus is always loving.
Jesus is for us.
He is the only leader who is perfectly trustworthy, entirely stable, a giver of hope, and compassionate on the weak, the failing, and the flawed.

He shows his trustworthiness by his resolve to go to the cross, willingly to suffer and die in our place as the righteous for the unrighteous.
He shows his goodness by rising from the grave, vindicated.
He shows his love by seeking the lost sheep.
He shows that he is for us in this: Anyone who believes in him can be saved and have him as their own, forever.

During this special COVID-19 version of Easter week, it is my prayer that many would turn to the risen Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who took our scars and sins to the grave and rose again to reign in righteousness. He will one day make all things new.


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