“And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14
Today is a day of action. It will require leadership. Big time leadership. God has called us Christians, especially in a time such as this when he has silenced the entire planet.
Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Folks, this isn’t your ordinary winter storm in which we hole up for a few hours and then shovel the driveway. The way I read the news is that this could be a long ordeal. That’s why we need to assume a leadership role. Today. Not tomorrow. Today.
Look, every moment that ticks away, our confidence will erode. We will lose our ability to think clearly. Before long, we will become emotionally exhausted. We can’t allow that to happen. Period. If we get behind the curve on this, we will be one of the wounded, a casualty.
DO NOT LET THAT HAPPEN! Our mission is clear. It’s at the top of this page.
Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father.
How do you do that? By getting out there and being a leader. Look, people are sheep. That’s why Jesus called us that. Sheep need leaders. That’s you. The salt and light of the world. Do you need any more convincing?
What do leaders do?
1. Encourage. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
2. Motivate. “From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah,” (Nehemiah 4:16)
3. Embolden. “Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded to you.” (Joshua 1:6-7)
4. Instruct. “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:20
5. Council. “The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.” Acts 15:6
Listen, this is an all-hands-on-deck situation. Start with your families. Get everyone out of bed early and start them on projects in the house. Idle hands are the work of the devil. Quarantine doesn’t mean you have to live in a pig pen. Make your house sparkle. Fix what needs to be fixed.
Turn off the TV, radio, and phones except for designated times. They serve ONLY to distract otherwise. Play Christian music or good sermons instead, if you must have background noise.
Get outside!! Fresh air is what you need. Play with your kids or fix up the yard or house. Keep busy!
Eat right, get eight hours of sleep, and exercise. No brainers, but we need reminders. Teach your family and make them do it. Yes, you may need to make people do it.
Read your bible and pray. Lead your family. Just do it. Find a way to encourage them.
Be a leader, not a dictator. Yes, leaders will issue orders, but get input from those in your command. People are looking for leadership, trust me, and they are also looking to help. Delegate. Give others leadership as they are capable of. Don’t let them flounder but lead by example. You can’t do everything, so get used to the idea that you need to develop good leaders.
The same thing applies to your work environment. Are you the leader? Step up your game. People are afraid. Stifle panic and rumors. Be honest and forthright. Don’t try sugarcoating or B.S. your way through this. If you don’t know, you don’t know. You can certainly prepare your ship. Keep your eye on those who won’t jump to attention. If you need to cull the troops, they should be the first to go, even your bad-attitude buddy who has been with the company forever. Trust me, the time will come when everything will turn around. Then you will make hay! You will want your very best people, even if they are the ones with the least experience.
Keep your powder dry. Don’t spend on anything foolish. Now is NOT the time to expand your cable TV listing. Now is NOT the time to buy garbage on Amazon. Save your funds so you can pay your mortgage and stuff like that. Don’t rely on the government until you have to. Be wise, wise, wise with your money. Who knows, you may need to take another family into your home.
Finally, for today, talk to others in leadership positions. You can organize conference calls or video meetings. Figure out how to do it and get together with other parents to discuss all these things. Men, you may really need to step up your spiritual leadership role and meet with other men. There has never been a time like this.
This is our time to shine, folks. Do not let yourself slide into sin: depression, anxiety, gluttony, drunkenness, laziness, apathy, or strife. Instead, rejoice in the Lord and the glory of his might! The joy of the Lord is our strength!
Remember, we have good news, the BEST news, to share.
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Be brave and very courageous.
Father, it’s game time. Amen.
Copyright © 2020 Scott Powers
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