Article June 25, 1979 Issue

Are you a leader?

Jennifer Lee Huffman

The opportunity to exercise qualities of leadership, to help give direction and purpose to a diverse and complex society, is ours daily. Most of us feel the need for perceptive leadership, and many of us want to make worthwhile contributions of our own.

The basic requisite for all good and inspiring leadership is realizing that God is the source of wisdom, insight, and true sensitivity. The Bible patriarch Joseph perceived God as the source of insight. When asked to interpret Pharaoh's dream he said, "It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace."^{Gen. 41:16;} Taking this recognition even further, Christ Jesus said, "The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do."^{John 5:19;} A knowledge and love of God, with a complete turning to Him for guidance, were certainly common factors in their expressions of leadership. The same can be true for us today.

The realization that ability and wisdom are not restricted to a select handful of people with the right horoscope, the right sex, or ample money and education frees our leadership capabilities, no matter what our human situation. Whether we are students, homemakers, or carpenters, we need to grasp the fact that our situation can be a proving ground for the full expression of our God-given talents. At twelve Jesus had already begun preparing for his healing ministry by listening to the scholars in the temple and asking them questions. His divinely original teaching and healing have revolutionized the world. David learned lessons as a shepherd boy that helped him face Goliath, that developed courage and steadfast reliance on God—qualities richly qualifying him to be Israel's most highly revered king.

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