Week 2 Leadership and Scripture Assessment 2
Leadership and Scripture Assessment
What makes a good leader is a question asked by many. Are they born or made, or is it a
combination of both? This debate has been on going. It is such an intriguing question that people
have dedicated themselves to studying it. Authors like Simon Sinek have identified
characteristics that good leaders have. He has studied the impact of people such as Winston
Churchill, Martin L. King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and others. He identified that good leaders
inspire others, provide direction, are compassionate, and more (Sinek, 2011). He also pointed out
that leaders tend to be stronger in some areas and lack in others. Some look to scripture to
identify exemplary characteristics that leaders should demonstrate in their daily lives.
There are six key leadership traits that have been identified. They are vision, honesty,
empathy, determination, competence, and motivation. In my current and future roles as a leader,
the three traits that are a priority are vision, determination, and motivation. This author equates
vision with what Simon Sinek describes as “why”. The reason this author continued in the field
is because of the lack of women of color that are highly qualified in STEM education which is
indicative of those employed in STEM fields. This author strives everyday to equip students with
the skills necessary to overcome inherent biases in STEM education and professions. The vision
is that there is no barrier that has the power to prevent them from succeeding. David testifies to
Saul about the adversity he had to overcome while tending his father’s sheep (King James Bible,
1957/2011, 1 Samuel 17:34-34). He assured Saul that the champion of the Philistines would be
no different. David saw the bigger picture; he knew that God had a plan for His people, and He
would deliver them.
Week 2 Leadership and Scripture Assessment 3
King David also exemplified determination. In addition to slaying Goliath, he
also faced the Amalekites. The Amalekites raided Ziklag destroying the town and taking captive
the loved ones of David and his men sheep (King James Bible, 1957/2011, 1 Samuel 30). The
determination he had to seek the Lord for guidance and to recover what was taken is inspiring. It
illustrates again how God will honor those who honor him. Deuteronomy 28 teaches that those
who diligently obey God will be blessed sheep (King James Bible, 1957/2011, Deuteronomy
28:1-14. Followers of Christ must be determined to do so. Likewise educating those that are
underserved requires determination.
Lastly, King David motivated those around him. In 1 Samuel 24 David showed mercy to
Saul. David was submitted to God and would not harm one that He had anointed. When Saul
realized that David could have killed him, he was moved and spoke a blessing over him sheep
(King James Bible, 1957/2011, 1 Samuel 24:19). This is the epitome of motivation in this
author’s humble opinion. When someone’s actions cause another to do the opposite of what they
initially intended it is motivation. This is necessary when teaching in communities that are
overwhelmed by poverty, crime, unemployment, insufficient healthcare, etc. It is difficult to
overcome such adversity. To motivate those individuals that they can overcome when they don’t
know anyone who has is a tremendous accomplishment.
This author endeavors to be the best leader that she is graced to be. By looking at the
exemplary leaders in scripture and studying the identified traits of leadership the impact will be
significant. The vision is for all people regardless of their background to receive a quality STEM
education. This is possible with determined educators who are motivated and motivate their
students to learn and achieve.
