Leading = shows the way, empowers improvement

Day 6 = Man & woman given dominion

On Day 6, God created man and woman in His image (1:26-30). He gave them a unique position to steward all of creation— to, in effect, make it better by their presence. Of course, there are people with a unique design whereby they do this at an extremely high level!

Man & woman were given dominion and authority over all of creation. Adam was given authority to name the animals. Eve was known as the “mother of all the living”— even before she birthed a child (Genesis 3:20).

All humans have dominion— it's who we are. However, some people have a special ability to lead and to exercise authority in some a way that things are better because they are present and providing direction to others. 

Whereas all people are destined to “reign in life” (Romans 5:17), these individuals often create order that empowers them to do something and then point the way for others, blazing a trail that makes what was once impossible become accessible for many.

Leadership in action

Peter is a great example of leadership.

Peter did what a lot of leaders do. He acted impulsively— jumping out of the boat to walk on water (Matthew 14:22-23), rebuking Jesus (Matthew 16:22), and even promising Jesus he would die with Him (Matthew 26:35). 

That’s a leader’s natural bent. And, it illustrates why we must begin at instructional obedience and remain tethered to Scripture rather than simply focusing on our gifts and abilities. 

Peter learned to demonstrate leadership in a healthy way. The same boldness that once seemed impulsive was present in the Upper Room when a disciple was chosen to replace Matthias (Acts 1:15). Shortly after, he stood and made sense of the outpouring of the Spirit at the first post-resurrection Pentecost (Acts 2:14).

Quiet leadership?

Remember, all of the created designs can be used in multiple ways. Resist the urge to “fit God into a box.”

Above, we use Peter as our example of a leader. 

But, Jethro (Moses’ father-in-law) was a wise-leader, too. He was the priest of Midian and may very well have been an introvert. We used him as our biblical example of a potential CD (green-red). He used his gift to set things in order for Moses to lead more efficiently (and effectively), and be able to last long-term.

(Peter was likely an ID.)

See links to their personality types below.