What Easter teaches about building greatness
BUILDERS are inspired and encouraged by other constructors. In building, it is not what you construct that matters most but what gets built in you as you go about your work. Never lose heart. Never despair. Events like Easter remind us to build things that last and live lives that matter.
Easter carries a message of building, hope, commitment, renewal and transformation. Beyond its religious significance, Easter embodies profound lessons on personal growth, resilience and the endless potential for renewal in our lives and leadership. It is a reminder that obstacles can be overcome; that in the face of hopelessness, there is hope; that if you are willing to wait, great things can be built.
Foundation of hope
At the core of Easter is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This symbolises the ultimate victory over death and despair. This miraculous event teaches us the power of hope. This is an unwavering belief that no situation is beyond change; no defeat is final and no obstacle lasts forever.
Hope is the bedrock upon which you build resilience. It encourages you to look beyond your current challenges. Hope allows you to envision a future where you emerge stronger and more fulfilled. The resurrection is always brighter than the struggle. This is why Romans 15: 13 reads: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
What overflows in your heart inspires what you do.
Resilience blueprint
Easter also teaches us about resilience. This is the ability to withstand adversity and bounce back from hardships. Just as the resurrection followed the crucifixion, your moments of greatest challenge precede significant growth and breakthroughs. Resilience is built through crucibles and trials. This is where you learn to lean not on your understanding but on faith and perseverance.
In resilience, you learn to trust the process and keep moving. The best metals are forged in intense heat. The Bible, in James 1: 2-4 says: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Every test is a launchpad for a testimony.
Renewal agenda
One of the most beautiful aspects of Easter is the theme of renewal. It is a reminder that life, with all its cycles and seasons, offers endless opportunities for new beginnings. Easter teaches us that your past does not define your future. You are capable of change, renewal and transformation. Nothing is more permanent than change itself. Renewal is the constant architect of life. This principle applies to everything.
Change invites you to shed what no longer serves you and embrace new paths with courage and openness. Expect new things and work to reboot everything in your life and organisation. Prophet Isaiah 43: 19 encourages us: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Growth by forgiveness
The cross and resurrection are powerful symbols of forgiveness. Here we are talking about God’s forgiveness towards humanity and the invitation for us to forgive others.
Easter challenges us to release bitterness, ill feeling and grievances. These can be monumental barriers to your growth and happiness. Forgiveness is the keystone that enables you to build relationships based on love, empathy and understanding. This attitude is highlighted in Colossians 3: 13, which reads: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Life of sacrifice
Easter exemplifies service and sacrifice, highlighting the essence of true leadership. Leadership will always be a life of sacrifice. Jesus’ life and death teach us that the greatest leaders are those who serve others selflessly, prioritising the well-being and growth of those they lead over personal accolades.
As you build greatness, incorporate service into your leadership style. This will amplify your impact. Jim Collins, in his book “Good to Great”, states that legendary leaders are “level 5” leaders. These are leaders who are fiercely committed to the cause of their organisation, yet they are humble and value service. Mark 10: 45 challenges us: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
As you reflect on the lessons of Easter, embrace its teachings as foundational elements in building a life of purpose, resilience and renewal. Let hope illuminate your darkest moments. Let resilience guide you through your trials. Let the promise of renewal inspire you to continually evolve and grow. Through forgiveness, you can heal and strengthen your relationships. Through service, you can lead with impact and compassion. Let Easter give you the courage to build and rebuild, no matter the challenges that you face.
Committed to your greatness.
◆ Milton Kamwendo is a leading international transformational and motivational speaker, author and accomplished workshop facilitator. He is a cutting-edge strategy, team-building and organisation development facilitator and consultant. His life purpose is to inspire and promote greatness. He can be reached at: mkamwendo@gmail.com