A Series on Biblical Leaders Joseph the Decision-making Leader
Joseph’s leadership was built upon following the heart of God and not reacting to how people treated him in his past. Joseph was willing to submit himself to the sacrifice of being persecuted by his own family to fulfill God’s purpose for his life and the Israelite nation. He made decisions not based upon emotion alone but upon the principle of being clean and close to God and His truth.
Joseph used his gift of administration in the reviving of the drought that Egypt was facing during his lifetime. He made wise, calculated decisions to provide for the multitudes of people that were facing starvation. Joseph was willing to look at circumstances as a chance for God’s grace to be revealed in his life. Joseph’s commitment to God even in prison led to a strong faith that was unwavering in the face of disappointment. Joseph knew that God’s plan was larger than his own personal struggles and that if he stayed faithful, God would deliver him.
Joseph’s blind spot was seen in him telling of the dreams he had from God. Although the dreams were directly from God, Joseph was not as humble as he should have been in relaying the stories to his family. A root of resentment arose within his household through his dreams and his father, Isaac showing favoritism to Joseph. Joseph’s self-awareness was not developed enough and through time he grew into understanding how to explain God’s blessings in his life.
Joseph’s hard times of being sold into slavery by his brothers could have been the end of his ability to lead due to the devastation he faced. Joseph faced the trials of being thrown into slavery and thrown into prison although he was innocent. His willingness to stare in the face of adversity with a forgiving and firm attitude led to him becoming second in charge over all of Egypt. Joseph was willing to see God at work in his tough circumstances in order to shape him into the leader God wanted him to be.[1]
Joseph was able to see the threat of bitterness that could have sprung up in his heart towards his brothers. The forgiveness that he was able to give to his own family that had hurt him took care of the threat that could have ended his leadership growth. Joseph’s plan to successfully pull Egypt out of the famine was his successful ability to look ahead and make wise choices to attain his goal.
In today’s culture, there is a need for leaders to be driven by truth and lead in such a way that focuses upon following God’s Word. Studying and applying God’s Word will result in knowing the strengths and weaknesses of making wise choices in leadership and ultimately lead people to find a relationship with God.
[1] “But as for you, you meant it for evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Genesis 50:20