Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
– Luke 5:15-16
The unprecedented orders to stay home have led many of us to experience a forced ‘slow down’ with more margin than we ever had before. Jesus used His own form of “social distancing” by withdrawing to solitary places to spend time with God.
Are you taking advantage of the unexpected break from the usual frantic pace?
Businesses like Wal-Mart, Ford, and Anheuser-Busch are taking advantage of the recent changes by creatively finding ways to rise to the occasion. The increased use of technology is allowing people to enjoy new kinds of collaboration. Still others are giving their best efforts to care for and love others well. I truly feel that if we continue to apply lessons like these after the crisis, we can emerge stronger.
Centered Leadership
No one in history was as compassionate, gracious, just and present when dealing with people as Jesus. When I read His words, I am always amazed at how He interacted with people. How was He always prepared with the right words, the right care and concern, the right questions and the right answers? A recent study by Bain and Company examined the most valued attributes of great leaders, and the number one attribute cited was “centeredness.” When I think of Jesus, it is clear that He was the epitome of centeredness. He was
Jesus was all about His Father’s business, yet He still noticed individuals, took time to speak to them personally and heal physical, emotional and spiritual wounds.
As leaders, we cannot give to others what we do not have ourselves. It is in the abiding that we will find everything we need to be the leader God purposed for us to be. As our relationship with Him grows and becomes more rooted, God will increase, and we will decrease. Then, and only then, can we ever hope to lead like Jesus – with just the right words, the right mindset, the right decision-making, the right questions and the right answers. May God be glorified in all we do!
How will you withdraw and abide in God for such a time as this?