The Willingness to Lead in Times of Adversity

Leadership is a quality that almost everyone covets to possess. A single word that brings with it a barrage of other things, both good and bad, positive and negative. Along with being a leader comes power that either inspires or corrupts; leadership may also come as a result of hard work, integrity and righteousness or to some a result of perversive influence or manipulation. Therefore, it can be said that there are two types of leadership in this world - wicked and righteous. It’s the reality we have to acknowledge but we have the power to choose which of these two is the reality we will live by. 

As VROs, statesmen, stateswomen, and nation builders, it goes without saying that we are inclined to follow the path towards righteous leadership. Our identity as leaders is certain the moment we embrace our roles as advocates of national transformation through values restoration. Now, the question is, how much of a leader are we? More importantly, how willing are we to lead especially in these times of adversity? Of uncertainty? 

The nation, no, the whole world is eagerly waiting for true leaders to arise. Leaders who have the capacity to come face to face with the harsh challenges of the ongoing Covid pandemic. With this scenario, the only ingredient that goes perfectly with righteous leadership is willingness. The scripture says, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be”. To lead without compulsion is key to massive, nationwide, and worldwide healing that we all look forward to. Imagine what one, two, hundreds, thousands and more of such willing leaders can do. Not only that, how faster can the good things in store for all of us be realized if they all arise and defeat this enemy that we’ve been battling for more than a year now? 

Looking back to where we are and who we are, are we talking about them, meaning others apart from us? Are we among the crowd who are waiting for these high caliber leaders to save us? Or are we the one? The leader that is equipped with courage to be at the frontlines to fight this battle alongside these elite warriors?

Now that the real challenge is out and the bigger picture is painted, let us take a look at what exactly we can do. As public servants cum VROs, whether in the managerial or the rank and file, it is no question that we are all leaders. Leadership doesn’t necessarily come with titles and position; it is an innate quality that can be developed and nurtured. 

The first area we need to look at is how well are we leading our very own lives? Have we broken through that initial fear that came with the threat of being infected with Covid? Are we stable, calm, and strong enough to now look out for others? If we can walk out our doors and are aggressive enough to seek and not to wait for the needs that must be addressed, we can say that we are among the willing leaders that can influence change and healing. Being a relevant leader in this season is not solely defined by position, profession, resources, and riches but more so by voluntary leadership. We can be the plainest Jane or Joe stripped off of any formal leadership title but our compassion and sincere desire to extend our hands to others will qualify us to be the kind of leader that is needed in this season and beyond. 

Furthermore, let us be encouraged to know that this is just the beginning. Remember, “whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much”. There is so much more in store and not only does our territory expand but the necessary resources are inevitably our portion. Whether we are a leader of tens, hundreds, thousands or ourselves; whether we have an official leadership title or we are just starting out, we only need to be willing. The path to growth in leadership will naturally follow and the only power we must possess is the power over ourselves and our actions in line with righteousness. (KMB, CRFV)