The Process of a LeaderSample

Joseph

Joseph is one of many who went through the leadership P.R.O.C.E.S.S. Joseph went through the process of becoming a Christian leader and endured until the end. God used him in a powerful way, economically and spiritually. I believe God is raising up Christian leaders in both the church world and the marketplace who will receive both wisdom and unprecedented favor for this hour that we’re living in. Let’s look at his life today.

In Genesis 37:3-36, we see Joseph receive a promise from God in the form of a dream. In two different dreams, he sees his brothers bowing down to him. He shared this with his brother and let’s just say that they weren’t too thrilled about his “revelation.” This was the last straw for this brother they already held in contempt for being the favorite. His brothers conspired against him.

The next part of Joseph’s story was a snap back to reality for Joseph. He was sold and eventually sent to Potiphar’s house. Eventually, after passing a character test (denying Potiphar’s wife’s advances), he still finds himself face-to-face with an obstacle: prison.

Joseph’s right choice being met with a negative consequence is a tough reality that would test his endurance. He could have gotten angry with the Lord for his current predicament. But he instead chose to see the obstacle as an opportunity and continued to trust in God.

Joseph’s eventual success came from the giftings he had received from God – the ability to interpret dreams. One opportunity to demonstrate this gift led to another, and eventually in Genesis 41:15-41, Joseph interpreted one of Pharaoh's dreams.

Joseph literally saved the economy of Egypt!

Sometime later, when he had the opportunity to get revenge on his brothers, he did the unthinkable. In Genesis 45:1-8 we see Joseph treat his brothers with kindness and forgiveness. You and I will also have these kinds of choices as leaders. In times of turmoil or conflict within your team, you can choose to be “right” or to be reconciled, to take the high road by lowering yourself and being humble enough to admit where you were wrong. There will be times when you are right and someone on your team is wrong; but you can still treat them with honor by speaking with them about it in private. Give people dignity despite their mistakes. In doing so, you can cause your entire company, ministry, department, or whatever you lead to be blessed by learning about grace. Or you can allow bitterness to lock you in a personal prison. Lead like Jesus. Embrace sonship and allow His grace to flow through you.

Sonship is what our hearts must be after. As leaders, we can be deceived into thinking that other things are the endgame: wealth, position, power, or affluence. We can even think a certain quality of stage, sound, and lighting is the goal, but it’s not! These things only serve as helpful tools used by a son to serve. “Success” in the eyes of people is not the final destination for a godly leader. Sonship is. And it’s accessible to us (see John 1:12). It’s where it all begins and it’s where it all ends.

Joseph’s life parallels the story of Jesus in so many ways. His story serves as a picture of who Jesus would be—what He would endure and accomplish for the saving of many lives. Jesus entered the world as the Son of God. Period. Yes, He knew He was on a mission to be our Savior, but first, he was God’s Son. Yes, He was the fulfillment of prophecy, a miracle-worker, and a good teacher, but before all of that, He knew that His truest form of identity came in the form of sonship. He was the Son of God. This revelation and deeply-held understanding gave Him the ability to shed the false accusations of those who would aim to tear Him down. It gave Him the strength He needed to endure His followers leaving Him, deserting Him in His most difficult hours.