Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we see many scriptures that speak to leadership development. We see God giving personal attention to His children as he orchestrates events in their lives for maximum growth. He raises up leaders at times under happy circumstances. At other times he develops leaders through harsh and terrible times, helping them grow in their ability to lead as they face adversity.
One of the greatest stories of leadership development in the Bible is that of Joseph as found in Genesis 37 and following. He developed as a leader through both positive and negative experiences. As a child, he was, quite simply, his father’s favorite son. Jacob, Joseph’s father, loved him more than his other children. Jacob put Joseph in places of development that were not available to his other children. Joseph also saw times of adversity that God used to develop him. Here are the highlights of development in Joseph’s life:
- Tending his father Jacob’s flocks
- Given a special gift of a robe from his father Jacob
- Given dreams by God of what was to happen later in his life
- Given the job of reporting on the efforts of his brothers out tending the flocks
- Sold into slavery by his brothers
- Rose to leadership in Potiphar’s household
- Falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and put in prison
- Put in charge within prison
- Interpreted dreams of two of Pharaoh’s key servants
- Interpreted Pharaoh’s dream
- Made second in charge to Pharaoh
As a result of the development of his leadership abilities, Joseph went on to be a leader who was second only to Pharaoh in the land of Egypt, one of the most powerful countries in the world at the time. He was able to save both his family and many others in Egypt and throughout the surrounding nations as a result of his leadership.
As you look back on your own life, consider the many opportunities that have shaped your abilities, leadership and otherwise. It’s vital to understand that both negative and positive experience shape us in our leadership. Consider other examples in the Bible where an individual was being developed.
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