So Pharaoh asked them, "Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the Spirit of God."
One of my favorite Bible characters that describes a change agent is Joseph the dreamer, the second youngest son of Jacob. Because of his dream, he was subject to the jealousy if his siblings that made him at risk from the hands of his brothers. Eventually, he was sold as slave, imprisoned, abandoned by his peers, but when the fullness of time came, he became an outstanding leader who used his position, knowledge, and influence to create a better world. The book of Genesis considered him a patriarch because of his excellent contribution to the Hebrew family and ancient civilization of his time.
What important lessions of leadership that we can learn from Joseph in times of global crisis? How do we become change agent in our sphere of influence?
There are at least four essential qualities that made him distinct among his brothers.
1. Visionary: Spirit-filled people can foresee what is to come and are not afraid to share those dreams. "Listen to this dream I had" 37:5.
a. Joseph had seen what will happen in the future. In fact, he had seen what he will become. He was aware that he has a mission and destiny to fulfill in life.
b. Self-awareness is knowing your calling and destiny In life. God is pleased to reveal his will to you if you let him come in. You ask God to show him his way to you.
c. The prophet Joel says, "“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
d. Vision is very important in this trying times for without vision, the ancient proverb says, the people perish.
2. Integrity: Spirit-filled People Are Spiritually and Morally Responsible People
a. They don't fornicate and adulterate God's delegated authority for sexual temptations.
b. God was with Joseph whatever he does because he shunned what was evil in the eyes of God.
c. He recognized that there is a supreme being who makes him accountable of his actions.
d. God was pleased in seeing Joseph uphold his moral purity so God has given him favor in everything he does.
3. Competence: Spirit-filled People Are Competent and the Answers to the Socio-Economic Problems of Society
a. Joseph was visionary leader with a gift of political economy to solve the impending famine that was to come to ancient civilization.
b. God has sent him advance to prepare him to become a change agent in a polarized society like Egypt.
4. Engagement: Spirit-filled People Are Good Stewards of Economic Resources.
a. They are creative and smart in creating and managing wealth and resources.
b. While many Christian avoid political engagement, but Joseph example shows that just governance is also a part of our calling. By the power and wisdom of Gods Spirit, he transformed chaotic situation into good.
c. They are problem solver in times of crisis. They know how to redeem the time of prosperity and knows how to manage their resources in times of famine. They actually contribute to the economic prosperity of the land.
d. They produce and distribute food equally in times of crisis. They do not disenfranchise others on the basis of gender, race, and social status. They discharge their services unselfishly .
e. They look at themselves as a co-agents and co-producers for good. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Conclusion
Like Pharoah of Joseph days, our political leaders must be discerning and search for people like Joseph in their circle of influence and give these people the chance to serve and maximize their talents for the production of common good in times of global crisis.
