Lead with Diligence: Growing up or Growing old?

Growing Up Not Old

Leadership isn’t defined by age or titles but by maturity shaped through life’s challenges. The leaders people trust and follow are those refined by trials—pain, failure, rejection, and loss. In this post, we’ll explore this through Joseph’s journey, key scriptures including Ephesians 4:14-15, and actionable steps to grow into a mature leader.

Maturity Through Adversity

Joseph’s life exemplifies leadership forged in hardship. Betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, he faced rejection and loss early on. In Egypt, he served diligently in Potiphar’s house, only to be falsely accused and imprisoned—a second wave of failure and disrespect. Yet, in prison, Joseph didn’t despair; he interpreted dreams, showcasing wisdom that eventually elevated him to Egypt’s second-in-command under Pharaoh. His maturity, built through years of trials, enabled him to lead with empathy, resilience, and forgiveness, ultimately saving nations during a famine.

Growing Up into Maturity

The Bible underscores that trials cultivate maturity, a cornerstone of effective leadership. James 1:2-4 instructs us:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Trials are not setbacks but opportunities to develop perseverance and maturity.

Ephesians 4:14-15 builds on this, urging leaders to grow up into maturity:
““As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ,”
‭‭
This passage highlights that maturity means moving beyond instability and vulnerability. It’s about developing discernment, stability, and the ability to lead with truth and love—qualities Joseph embodied when he rose to leadership. Together, these scriptures call leaders to embrace challenges as a path to growing up into the fullness of Christ’s example.

Apply It (Ephesians 4:14-15)

To live out this call to maturity, here are four ways to lead with diligence:

1. Reflect on Trials
   Consider a recent struggle—perhaps a betrayal or setback. What did it teach you? How did it strengthen your stability or discernment? This reflection aligns with growing up through perseverance.
2. Model Vulnerability
   Share your growth story with your team. Showing how trials matured you builds trust and demonstrates that leadership is about resilience, not perfection.
3. Mentor Through Challenges
   Help your team navigate their own difficulties, encouraging them to grow rather than just survive. This reflects speaking truth in love, fostering their maturity as you guide them.
4. Lead with Truth and Love
   Address tough issues—conflict or feedback—with grace and honesty. This practice, rooted in Ephesians 4:15, creates a culture where maturity thrives.

Put It Together

Ephesians 4:14-15, paired with Joseph’s story, reminds us that leadership maturity isn’t automatic—it’s earned by growing up through trials. Embrace your challenges as opportunities to develop the stability, discernment, and love that define a leader worth following. With God’s guidance, let your journey shape you into the mature leader your team needs.