Joseph and Leadership

Anyone can be a leader. It all comes down to attitude and effort. Maybe you’ve heard the popular phrase, “bloom where you’re planted.” Well, we might adapt that a little to say, “lead where you’re located.” Joseph is a great example to show how we can lead from anywhere. He went from being an imprisoned slave to being the second most powerful man in all of Egypt. Studying what the Bible records about Joseph, we can learn a lot about leading from any circumstance and see what it takes to be a good leader.

First, notice that Joseph trusted in God. Originally having put him in a pit, Joseph’s brothers fished him out in order to sell him to Midianite traders (Gen 37:28). Soon after, a man named Potiphar, the Pharaoh’s captain of the guard, purchased Joseph from the Midianites (Gen 37:36). The Bible confirms for us that the Lord was with Joseph through these difficult times (Gen 39:2). Even as a servant, it was known how the Lord blessed the young man (Gen 39:3). Joseph found favor in Potiphar’s sight and he was given greater authority, he was made overseer of Potiphar’s house (Gen 39:4).

Second, notice that Joseph was trustworthy and responsible. All that Potiphar had was placed in his authority (Gen 39:4). We can see Potiphar wasn’t watching over Joseph’s shoulder and didn’t feel the need to “check up on him” during this time. In fact, the Bible says Potiphar “did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate.” (Gen 39:6). Potiphar was free from worry and care while Joseph faithfully took care of all his resources and business matters.

Third, notice that Joseph was honorable and disciplined. As he served in Potiphar’s house, Potiphar’s wife tempted Joseph. She repeatedly made advances and told Joseph to become physically involved with her (Gen 39:7-10). Although he was a slave, wrongfully sold by his brothers, Joseph did not use the evil he had been dealt as an excuse to wrong his master. He called this action what it was, sin (Gen 39:9)! Joseph showed great restraint and self-control in resisting the advances of Potiphar’s wife and honoring his master.

Later, Potiphar’s wife trapped and falsely accused Joseph (Gen 39:11-20). For this, he was thrown into Pharaoh’s dungeon, but God was still with him (Gen 39:21). Joseph did not allow the unjust treatment he had received to destroy his morality or self-control. Even as a prisoner, he became a leader (Gen 39:22-23). This set things in motion for Joseph to interpret dreams by the power of God for other prisoners. Eventually, he interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams and was elevated over all the land of Egypt (Gen 41:8-14, 37-44). When you are treated unfairly or find yourself in a bad situation, find a way to lead where you’re located.