The Ruler gift is about getting things done. People with this gift take a vision or a task, form a plan and gather the people and resources to carry it out. They think big, handle pressure well and can draw good work from a team that others might write off.
How it shows up
- Turns an idea into a practical plan, and then into results.
- Manages time well and usually has a lot on the go.
- Thrives under pressure and deadlines, often putting the people around them under the same pressure.
- Wants to grow and improve things, and thinks big.
- Reads people well and can get the best from an imperfect team.
- Values loyalty and trust from those close by, sometimes above skill.
- Dislikes being checked up on and prefers freedom to do things their own way.
- Stays focused on the task in front of them, even when feelings are running high.
At its best
- Achieves remarkable results by combining wisdom, drive and care for the team.
- Shares authority and leadership rather than holding it tightly.
- Keeps to high standards of honesty and reaches goals by fair means.
- Pushes people without pushing them past their limits, and looks after them along the way.
- Stands firm under strong opposition and keeps going when others give up.
Things to watch for
- Pushing so hard that people feel used, overworked or underpaid.
- Letting the goal justify the means and cutting corners on ethics.
- Putting the task before listening to people and looking after them.
- Always looking for the next project, with little time to rest or reflect.
- Finding it hard to accept correction or to believe they might be wrong.
- Relying only on themselves.
Growing into this gift
Growth for a Ruler means leading with people in mind. That can look like slowing down to listen, sharing authority, checking that the way matches the goal and making room for rest. A mature Ruler still delivers, and leaves people stronger and better off for having worked with them.
Where this gift is tested
Treating people fairly. When the gift is under strain, a Ruler can end up using the people around them, by overworking or underpaying them or treating them as tools for the goal.
The story it can tell itself
'I am only a success when I am in charge.' It can turn leadership into control and status, and make stepping back feel like failing.
A Bible example
Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:11 and chapter 2)
Took on the huge task of rebuilding a city wall, made a clear plan, organised the people and saw it through despite opposition. Noah, Boaz and Joseph are also named as examples in the teaching.
Background
- Guiding principle
- Freedom: the teaching links this gift with leading from a place of freedom rather than control.
- Birthright
- To go beyond simply following the rules, and to live in freedom with real integrity.
- Creation day
- Day six: land animals and people were made and given responsibility to care for the earth. The Ruler is made to take charge and exercise responsible care.
- Tabernacle item
- The ark of the covenant, where the law was kept. It reminds the Ruler that true leadership answers to something higher than itself.
Sources
- Redemptive Gifts Outline, Pastors Paul and Cheryl Black
- The 7 Spiritual Redemptive Gifts, jeffklaus.weebly.com, describing Arthur Burk's teaching
- Seven Redemptive Gifts of Individuals, Author not named on the document
This teaching draws on the work of the credited authors.