Archive for the ‘Published Articles’ Category

By Michael Euliss

We as Christians know very little about Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father. What we do know is that he was a carpenter, a descendent of King David, and a man of God. When we look at him as a father and leader we can learn many great lessons.

Let’s look at the Christmas story through his eyes. You are Joseph and pledged to be married to Mary. She comes to you and says she is pregnant and you know that you had nothing to do with that. She explains that “an angel” told her that she would be with child and that it was to be named “Jesus”. She tries to explain to you that she is still a virgin. What are your reactions? Disbelief? Anger? Humiliation?  What will the neighbors think?

If Joseph was a very dominant man, he may have flown off the handle and began to demand answers… and names. If he was analytical, he may have presented the odds and statistics regarding the possibilities of a virgin birth. If he was worried about popularity, he may have listened to the jeering of outsiders providing gossip and “free advice”.  Most of us would have tried to understand and handle this in our own strength.

What exactly did he do? Proverbs 3:5-6 warns us not to rely on our own understanding.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Scripture tells us that he considered divorce but after thinking and praying he went to sleep and did not make a quick decision. During the night, he was visited by the Lord in a dream that made everything clear.
He then took immediate action and rejected outside comments as he began to pass the “Leadership Test©” The Leadership Test is four simple questions.

Am I:

Doing the Right Thing

At the Right Time

In the Right Way

For the Right Reasons?

© Gallagher-Westfall Group

My observation is that he passed. Joseph did the Right Thing by not making a snap decision when presented with a complex problem that involved people. When we “shoot from the hip”, we are never as accurate as when we take our time and aim.
He did it at the Right Time by first talking with and listening to God. Generally this is where we go astray. We act before or without prayer and when the “ox gets in the ditch”, we say that all we have left to do is pray. By taking our time before making a decision, the outcome is usually better.
Was it the right way? Yes indeed! His words or actions could have alienated Mary at a time when she was very vulnerable and in need of his support, not judgment.  Joseph did not try to “fix it” as many of us men want to do. He was gentle and after some time to think, was very supporting.
For the right reasons?  I think this goes without saying. Listening and being obedient to God. What better reasons are there? We have to be aware of everything around us in today’s busy, noisy world. If not, we may miss God’s call and his guidance.
As we conclude 2009 and enter 2010, I encourage you as leaders to listen intently to God’s call. He may be pointing you in a direction that is not comfortable, common, or even seems possible. But as my long-time friend Greg Jenks once told me, “You will be surprised what will happen when you step out in faith with God.”
I hope you and your family have a very merry Christmas and a fruitful 2010.