Leadership
The debate over whether leaders are born or made has been ongoing for centuries. From a biblical standpoint, there is substantial evidence suggesting that leaders are indeed born with inherent qualities designed by God for leadership. Let’s explore this perspective through various scriptures and explanations.
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
In this verse, God speaks to Jeremiah, affirming that his role as a prophet was determined even before his birth. This indicates that God creates individuals with specific purposes and leadership roles in mind. Jeremiah’s prophetic mission was part of his divine design, suggesting an inherent calling and set of qualities aligned with leadership.
Psalm 139:13-16
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
David acknowledges that God’s intricate creation of every individual includes a specific design and purpose. This passage highlights the intentionality behind each person’s creation, including their inherent traits and destinies. Leaders, according to this view, are fearfully and wonderfully made with the qualities needed to fulfill their leadership roles.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Paul emphasizes that believers are created by God for specific good works prepared in advance. This preparation includes equipping individuals with the necessary skills and attributes for their tasks. Leaders, therefore, are born with God-given abilities and purposes that align with the roles they are destined to play.
Exodus 3:10-12
“So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you.”
Moses’ calling to lead the Israelites out of Egypt was part of God’s divine plan. Despite Moses’ initial reluctance and feelings of inadequacy, God reassured him of His presence and purpose. This illustrates that God’s chosen leaders are appointed for their roles and equipped with divine support, affirming their inherent calling.
Romans 12:6-8
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
Paul outlines the diversity of gifts bestowed upon individuals by God’s grace, including leadership. The distinct mention of leadership as a gift suggests that some are inherently equipped with the qualities needed for guiding others. These gifts are part of their divine creation and purpose, underscoring the idea that leaders are born with their leadership abilities.
The Bible provides a compelling case that leaders are born with innate qualities designed by God. Verses from both the Old and New Testaments reveal that individuals are created with specific purposes, including leadership roles. God’s intentional design and the preparation of individuals for their tasks affirm that leadership is a divinely bestowed gift. Therefore, from a biblical perspective, leaders are indeed born with the inherent qualities necessary to fulfill their God-given roles.
