This week the world joined the United Kingdom in mourning as Queen Elizabeth died. There have been so many anecdotes about her life over the past several days, but what has stood out for me has been the way her faith shaped her life and leadership.
In her coronation speech, the Queen made a request to all
those listening: “I want to ask you all, whatever
your religion may be, to pray for me on that day, to pray that God may give me
wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and
that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.”
She was crowned Queen at the age
of 25. As the weight of the crown was placed on her head, she was well aware
that the weight of servanthood was also being placed upon her. For the rest of
her life, her purpose was to serve.
As I think about this, I realize
that in her life we have a clear example of discipleship: when we follow
Christ, we shift the focus of our lives from self and instead seek to better
the lives around us through the love of God found in Christ Jesus. We might not
live in a castle (or many castles) or be a head of state, but each of us
possesses within us the mark of Divine Love bestowed upon us by our Creator. Each
of us has a unique purpose and mission that no one else possesses. Queen
Elizabeth was clear about hers, and it guided her every single day. How about
you?
“Billions of people now follow Christ’s teaching and find in him the guiding light for their lives. I am one of them because Christ’s example helps me see the value in doing small things with great love.”—Queen Elizabeth
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