In the midst of the Coronavirus crisis we see leadership around the world being carried out in many different ways; some excellent, some average and some not so good. However, we find that in times of crisis, effective leadership is needed not only at top government and international levels but also at all levels of society.
The world is always going to be a complicated and difficult place in which there are constantly problems and difficulties. Larry Crabb in his book, Finding God says honestly, that “Perhaps that most important lesson I learn as I go through dark seasons is this: there is no escape in this life from pain and suffering. More than anything else I need a person to trust.” ….Without someone to trust, I must either pretend things are better than they are or live to relieve pain.” (Crabb, 1993 p. 11)
As Christians, we know that the person we can always trust, no matter what the circumstance are, is Jesus. However, as Christians it is important that we take and show a different kind of leadership from what the world might understand.
The leadership we exhibit needs to recognise that Jesus Christ is the answer and that He is still on the throne and in authority. Therefore we need to take our lead from Him. Ephesians is quite clear on who is in authority, over not only this earth but the heavenlies. Ephesians 1:20-22 states “which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, v.21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come, v.22 And He put all things in subjection under at His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church.”
Vision, Purpose & Teamwork
One of the major qualities of a good leader is their confidence and energy in and toward their vision and purpose. This confidence and energy is exhibited in such a way that followers are motivated to high levels of action and commitment. Leaders who can inspire a shared vision, encourage collaboration, build teams and empower others through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus was such a person, who inspired such a compelling vision – a union with Christ, “to gather again under one head” (Eph. 1:10), things which had been originally one, but had since been separated. To accomplish this Jesus came to this earth and He inspired, chose and commissioned 12 followers, ordinary individuals like us, hand-picked, to start and lead this restoration and renovation of the universe. Upon His departure He commissioned them with the power of the Holy Spirit to reconcile all things to Himself. Could this worldwide pandemic be the start of this happening?
Trust
Trust is another strong component of effective and good leadership. Without trust leadership falls apart, right from the beginning. We saw this with Peter when he lost trust in Jesus. In his own strength he found it impossible to obey even his own faith statements to the Lord. However, after the Lord had risen and the apostles were empowered with the Holy Spirit they had such faith and trust in the Lord, such confidence, boldness and authority, that they led with unstoppable conviction and dedication.
As leaders in today’s world we, through the power of the Holy Spirit, need to exhibit the same trust, faith and courage that they, the apostles exhibited, to help not only our fellow Christians through these very difficult and confusing times but also those who don’t believe. Jesus still is in charge, seated at the right hand in heavenly place, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion” and as it says further on in Ephesians 2:6, God has “raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” He is at our side willing to guide us, through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to lead with exceptional faith and trust as never before and followers need to see this.
Anyone can lead
Anybody can lead from any position. Leadership opportunities are available at all times but especially now, to anyone who wants to accept them – It is an active, not a passive process. They are people who look for these opportunities around them, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, wherever they may be. This virus is presenting many opportunities in a world that needs hope, inspiration, understanding and godly direction. It is leaders at all levels who can inspire a desire to rebuild a world that has learned to trust more in the Lord, an everlasting rock
Now is not a time to hold back in fear and trepidation but rather a time to step forward, using the gifts God has given each of us and showing a leadership that projects hope, understanding and godly results.
1 Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God”
Dr Ray Dallin
Crabb, L. (1993). Finding God. Zondervan.