The Principle of One at a Time

This is how the Kingdom life works. We constantly reach out and embrace everyone we touch, influencing them, touching them, and releasing the Spirit’s life and power. One person at a time is transformed around us until our entire realm of touch is ‘leavened’ with the life and ways of Jesus.

Joseph, A Kingdom Culture Shaper

Joseph is the prime example of the stewardship mentality. Genesis 39:1-6 says,

“Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, had bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. So, Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field. So, he left all that he had in Joseph's charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate.”

Scripture records that Joseph was ‘IN’ the house of his master. This phrase means that when he was purchased, he fully and completely entered the service of his master. He didn’t rebel against his situation but embraced it and served with all of his heart. He was faithful, loyal, and trustworthy, and because of this, the Spirit of God allowed everything Joseph touched to succeed and be blessed. He loved his master and worked for his good. He did so well that Potiphar placed him in charge of every single thing he owned and never thought of it again. As Potiphar’s steward, Joseph brought every bit of his natural hard work and ability into service for his master, but he did not stop there. He also, brought the Lord’s powerful grace and blessing upon all of his work and the master was supremely blessed but Joseph was greatly promoted. This is stewardship.

Joseph eventually rose to a position of world influence and world-shaping faith. He was the prime minister of the most influential and powerful nation of the world of his day.

In Joseph we see:

• A great example of stewardship thinking
• Great favor and ever-increasing authority
• The powerful mixture of using all of his natural abilities and hard work together with powerful spiritual gifts and the anointing of His blessing
• A bold, very overt faith, yet he did not run around trying to convert everyone.
• Tremendous wisdom in solving the complex problems of society bringing good and change for people.