For millennia, societies believed leadership was a birthright, that certain individuals were simply born to lead. From ancient Egypt to medieval Europe, leadership was seen as an inherited quality, passed down through noble bloodlines. This belief was so entrenched that common people rarely dared to dream of leadership positions. The notion of leadership as a birthright wasn’t just about bloodlines, it was inextricably tied to wealth and the control of resources. In varying societies, those born into noble or royal families not only had the inherited title of leader but also the financial power to enforce their rule. But the Bible presents a radically different perspective. Consider David, a shepherd boy who became Israel’s greatest king. When God sent Samuel to anoint a new king, he didn’t choose based on appearance or social status. When Samuel looked at David’s older brother Eliab, impressed by his stature and presence, God spoke these transformative words: “Do not consider his appearance or his height… The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” But what made David “a man after God’s own heart”? It wasn’t perfection. David’s life was marked by profound failures, adultery with Bathsheba, the murder of Uriah, and moments of pride that brought suffering to his people. Yet God saw something deeper in David: a heart that could acknowledge wrong, accept correction, and maintain a passionate pursuit of God, who is truth, despite human frailty. The Bible defines leadership not through position or power but through character and service. Jesus himself said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” This servant-leadership model stands in stark contrast to the authoritarian leadership styles prevalent throughout history. Biblical leadership emphasizes several core principles. First, humility, Moses, described as the most humble man on earth, led through service rather than domination. Second, wisdom, Solomon’s first request as king wasn’t for power or wealth, but for wisdom to lead God’s people. Third, accountability, Nathan the prophet confronted David about his sin, and David’s response of repentance rather than retaliation demonstrated true leadership character. Today’s leadership theories taught in universities acknowledge that leadership skills can be developed through dedication and hard work. They’ve moved away from the “great man” theory that dominated historical thinking. However, like athletic ability, while leadership can be developed, there are natural variations in leadership capacity. Just as not everyone can become an Olympic athlete despite dedicated training, not everyone will become a transformational leader of thousands. It is who God calls, and then God equips. But here’s the beautiful truth, everyone has a sphere of influence where they can lead effectively.
The Bible shows us that leadership isn’t about the size of your platform but the integrity of your character. Consider Deborah under the palm tree, making decisions for her people. Think of Joseph, leading from a prison cell before leading a nation. Remember Daniel, maintaining his integrity in a foreign land. Biblical leadership also teaches us about the weight of responsibility. When David sinned, his actions affected his entire kingdom. Modern leaders face similar ripple effects their decisions impact not just themselves but entire organizations, communities, and sometimes nations. This is why character matters more than charisma, why integrity stifles influence. Biblical leadership acknowledges human limitations and the need for divine guidance. Even the greatest leaders in Scripture regularly sought God’s direction. David inquired of the Lord before battles. Solomon asked for wisdom. Daniel prayed three times daily. This dependency on divine wisdom provides a crucial balance to human capability. As we face today’s leadership challenges, the biblical model offers timeless wisdom. It teaches us that true leadership isn’t about position but influence, not about power but service, not about perfection but growth. It shows us that while not everyone will lead thousands, everyone can lead faithfully where they are. In the Kingdom of God, every believer plays a vital role, contributing to the divine work in unique ways, from the most visible to the most hidden tasks. These roles are not just arbitrary positions but are part of a divine order that reflects God’s creative nature. Humans are created in the image of God, and this image encompasses a great deal, including our capacity for imagination, creativity, and work. Just as God, the ultimate Creator, imagined and spoke the universe into existence, human beings are endowed with the same capacity for creativity and innovation, but on a more finite scale. One of the clearest ways we can create a world is through storytelling. Whether in novels, short stories, or even poetry, writers build entire worlds that resonate with the reader’s imagination. By inventing characters, settings, and narratives, authors create new realities where people live, struggle, and grow. Visual artists, too, create worlds through their work. Whether it’s painting, sculpture, carpentry, architecture, or digital art, artists have the power to create environments that reflect their inner vision or capture the emotions and ideas they want to express. Music is another powerful tool for creating worlds. Composers and musicians craft soundscapes that have the power to evoke emotions, memories, and visions. Just as music scores in films transport viewers to new realities whether to ancient battlefields or serene forests, musicians can create entire worlds through melody, harmony, and rhythm. Video game developers, for instance, create entire digital universes in which players can live, explore, and experience adventures.
One of the most striking aspects of Jesus’ ministry was His ability to engage those who were otherwise resistant to the truth. He did not merely present doctrine in a rigid, formulaic manner; rather, He employed creativity to penetrate the hearts and minds of His listeners. This theological principle suggests that when we find ourselves in environments where people are unreceptive to the gospel, we should follow Christ’s example by using creative means,storytelling, metaphor, and innovative approaches,to communicate truth effectively. In Matthew 13:10-13, when His disciples asked why He spoke in parables, Jesus explained that they were designed to reveal truth to those who were seeking while concealing it from those with hardened hearts. This implies that creativity serves a dual purpose: it draws in the spiritually curious while bypassing the outright hostile. In places where people are indifferent or antagonistic to the gospel, a direct proclamation of theological truths may be met with resistance. However, by embedding these truths within compelling narratives or relatable analogies, we can bypass intellectual and emotional barriers. This is evident in how Jesus used familiar aspects of everyday life, seeds, vineyards, shepherds, and feasts, to illustrate profound spiritual realities. In the same way, Christians engaging a skeptical or indifferent culture should employ culturally resonant storytelling, art, and symbolism to make truth more accessible. Another key aspect of Jesus’ creativity was His divine perspective. He did not merely see the world as fallen and corrupt; He saw it in light of God’s redemptive plan. For example, in John 4, Jesus engages the Samaritan woman at the well not by beginning with doctrine but by creatively using water, something familiar to her, as a metaphor for eternal life. His approach intrigues her rather than repels her, leading to a deeper spiritual conversation towards truth for an entire family. If we find ourselves in environments where people reject or dismiss Christianity, we should adopt this same approach. Instead of simply insisting on doctrinal correctness, we must look at the world through a redemptive lens, finding ways to draw connections between ordinary experiences and the truth of the gospel. Whether through literature, film, music, or everyday conversations, creative engagement allows us to present the gospel in ways that capture attention and provoke thought.
Perhaps the most profound way we create people is through relationships. As individuals, we have the ability to shape and influence the lives of others, whether through parenting, teaching, or mentorship. A parent shapes the future of a child, providing them with values, guidance, and a sense of self-worth. A mentor helps a person discover their potential and develop skills that they might not have realized they had. Through our actions, words, and love, we give others the tools to build their own futures, becoming creators in their lives. Leadership is another powerful way we can “create” people. Good leaders help others realize their potential and work toward common goals. They shape not just the direction of a company or organization, but also the character of the people within it. A leader, whether in a religious setting, a business, or a social movement, has the ability to mold others into more capable, compassionate, and effective individuals. This form of creation isn’t about domination, but about guiding others to realize their best selves and to make meaningful contributions to the world. The Kingdom of God is a place of harmony, justice, love, and service, but it is also a place where all individuals, regardless of their occupation, are called to contribute to God’s greater plan. This divine plan is not simply spiritual in nature, but involves every aspect of human life, including work, community, relationships, and creativity. The Bible speaks of the body of Christ being made up of many parts, each with its own function.
God’s creative work is foundational to our understanding of human purpose. In Genesis, we read that God created the heavens and the earth, everything that is seen and unseen, and He did so with intention, order, and beauty. Humans, created in His image, are not just meant to be passive receivers of this creative work but are called to co-create with God. The idea that imagination and creativity are necessary for human flourishing is deeply tied to our nature as image-bearers of God. Even the most technical or mundane work requires a certain vision. A plumber, for example, is not simply a laborer but is, in fact, a creator in their own right. To solve a plumbing issue, a person must visualize how systems connect, where problems lie, and how to address those problems. They envision a solution and bring it into reality through the skillful use of their hands. Even in fields that may seem far removed from traditional artistry, such as plumbing, innovation, vision, and creativity are key. Without the ability to imagine a better way to work, improve efficiency, or create a new business model, one is unlikely to achieve success or experience growth. Just as a plumber must envision success in their work, so too must an artist, an entrepreneur, or a teacher. Leadership, in its truest sense, comes from the ability to see something others may not see and to lead others toward its realization. This is why art, in any form, can serve as leadership. Whether it’s the art of business innovation, the art of leading a team, or the literal art of creating beauty through paint or sculpture, the act of creation inherently requires vision. And vision is what sets leaders apart. The notion that everything can be art may seem radical to some, but it is deeply connected to our understanding of human creativity and the nature of work. As mentioned, art is often relegated to the visual or performing arts, but in truth, all work can be seen as an art form. Art is, at its core, the act of creation, the process of bringing something new into existence. This can happen in any field of work, from fixing a car to building a house to writing a novel. In the same way, a well-crafted chair, a well-prepared meal, or a beautifully written report can all be seen as forms of artistic expression. When approached with intention and excellence, every job, no matter how humble, becomes an expression of the image of God in us. When someone works with skill, creativity, and passion, they are not just doing a job; they are creating something that reflects God’s glory. The act of creation, regardless of the field, is a form of worship, as it is an expression of the divine mandate given to humanity in the Garden of Eden to work and cultivate the earth. work that involves craftsmanship, whether it’s in design, construction, or any other form, has the power to build something lasting. Just as artists create visual representations of beauty, so do craftsmen build structures that stand for generations. The idea that every task is infused with meaning and purpose transforms mundane work into something with eternal significance. It is not only the final product that reflects creativity but the act of creation itself.
A leader with vision can see opportunities where others see obstacles. Vision is not just about seeing; it’s about acting on what is seen. Leaders who have a strong vision are driven to make it a reality. Vision compels action by providing direction and purpose. It answers the question, “What are we working toward?” Vision provides the clarity necessary to make decisions, set goals, and chart a course. Leaders with vision are able to provide clarity in uncertain or challenging times. In moments of crisis or adversity, a leader with a clear vision can reassure others that there is a purpose to their efforts and a light at the end of the tunnel. This helps to keep people focused and motivated even when the path ahead seems unclear. Leadership is not just about authority or decision-making power; it is about vision, creativity, and the ability to bring something new into existence. A leader is one who imagines a future, a solution, or a way of doing things that is different from the present, and who guides others toward that future.
The leader who tells such stories does not just explain the facts; they open a window for their audience to enter and experience the idea on a personal level, making it memorable and impactful, different leaders will have different stories. Storytelling is a powerful tool because it taps into universal experiences, drawing people in and making difficult concepts easier to grasp. For instance, consider the parable of life as a boxing match or as a song. A leader could tell the story of life as a boxing match, where each day presents a new round to fight through, and the key to success is resilience, strategy, and learning from each punch—whether it’s a victory or defeat. A boxer would immediately understand the importance of staying in the ring, no matter how hard the fight gets. But for a singer, the story of life as a song may resonate more deeply. Life is like a melody, a series of notes that come together to create a unique composition. Some notes may be dissonant, some harmonious, but in the end, it is the rhythm and flow that matter. A singer might understand that hitting the right notes in the right order is akin to making the right decisions at the right times. Both metaphors communicate a similar message about perseverance, purpose, and the journey of life but they speak to different people in different ways. The boxer relates to struggle and endurance, while the singer finds meaning in expression and rhythm.
Thank you,
𝖂𝖎𝖑𝖑 𝕱𝖔𝖗𝖌𝖊
Pilgrims Ponder 