I love to preach about Joseph.
I love to read about Joseph.
I could sneeze a sermon series when it comes to Joseph. (Genesis 37)
There are so many nuggets of truth that make his life story one of my favorites! I admire these qualities about him:
1. He held to his PRINCIPLES - Joseph was a man of character and integrity. A man that was honest. A man that was tempted repeatedly but resisted temptation.
2. He HUMBLED himself - although he became second in command in all of Egypt - his power and the prestige of his position never went to his head. He remained the same.
3. He remained DISCIPLINED - regardless of the false charges, accusations and slander against him...he held a long term perspective that catapulted him toward his destiny.
4. He never stopped being FAITHFUL - even throughout all the mess people put him through, he remained faithful to God and never shirked his commitment to follow Him!
5. He clung to GRACE - although he had the power to condemn his brothers for their betrayal, lies and schemes - Joseph chose to exemplify grace and mercy.
6. He worked with EXCELLENCE - whether as a servant, the interpreter of Pharaoh's dreams, the manager of the family sheep flock or a prison worker...he did his job with competence!
7. He grew in WISDOM - trials gave him increased wisdom beyond his years! He stepped into help set up Egypt for the famine at the young age of 30 and demonstrated a seasoned perspective with decisions and implementation!
8. He was a STRATEGIST - always planning! He knew what needed to be done to prepare for the famine. He gave specific instructions to the officials to gather up the food and store the food during the seven years of plenty.
Joseph had a pretty tough life...
- He was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers.
- His father was told that he was killed by a wild animal.
- He was framed by his boss's wife because he refused to sleep with her and was thrown into prison.
- He interpreted the dream of a prisoner who was released and restored to his position, but the guy forgot about him.
- In the end, though, Joseph became the leader of all Egypt - second only to the Pharaoh himself.
- When there is a famine, he is then able to save his family from starvation.
- He tells his brothers when he sees them again that, though they meant harm, God orchestrated the events to put Joseph in a position to save them.
Joseph possessed these qualities, demonstrated them meticulously and saved the lives of Egyptians and Israelites. His leadership scope included strategic planning, relational skills, delegation, art and skill of communication, boldness, vision casting, integrity, inspiration and hope.
Christian leadership can be nurtured and developed through various legitimate and constructive means. But nothing can replace the presence of God, His acts of grace and provision, His wonderful counsel, His assuring guidance and His blessed results in the life of a leader.
I hope someday when we reach our milestone, like Joseph, we will be able to say, "The Lord brought me here, and he made me a pastor, teacher, missionary, CEO, mother, father, mentor and a leader."
Stay the course...God is in control of your destiny! Today, live your truth! Play your best game! Listen to the trusted voice of The Holy Spirit within you!
Christian leadership can be nurtured and developed through various legitimate and constructive means. But nothing can replace the presence of God, His acts of grace and provision, His wonderful counsel, His assuring guidance and His blessed results in the life of a leader.
I hope someday when we reach our milestone, like Joseph, we will be able to say, "The Lord brought me here, and he made me a pastor, teacher, missionary, CEO, mother, father, mentor and a leader."
Stay the course...God is in control of your destiny! Today, live your truth! Play your best game! Listen to the trusted voice of The Holy Spirit within you!