April 22, 2016
It is in the heart of many of us to lead. There is something inside that longs to help people around us move forward. If our motivations are right, and this is not just for selfish gain or human recognition, it is usually a desire that is placed there by none other than God Himself.
God does not leave us without examples. He wants us to lead—in our home, our church, our business, our community—more than we want to lead and has promised to give us everything we need. In fact, the most vital aspect of leadership is to have Him. And, He has provided a way through His Spirit's indwelling for that to occur.
One of the great, conquering leaders in the Bible was Joshua. Moses led them out of bondage; Joshua led them into the Promised Land. Each had their unique leadership qualities for the task assigned. Notice some of Joshua's leadership qualities.
LEADERS LEAD
How long will you put off entering to take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you? (Joshua 18:3)
The people were dragging their feet on finishing the job of dividing the land. People need to be led. Leaders understand this and don't mind the responsibility (and burden) of helping people get from one point to the next.
LEADERS PLAN
Provide for yourselves three men from each tribe that I may send them, and that they may arise and walk through the land and write a description of it according to their inheritance; then they shall return to me. (Josh 18:4)
Joshua sized up the situation and came up with a plan under the leadership of God. Good leaders know there needs to be clear, workable systems in place to take people forward.
LEADERS REMIND
Joshua said to the people, ""…from ancient times…"" (Joshua 23-24)
Everyone forgets. Good leaders are redundant. People may get tired of it but it is absolutely necessary to remind people that they were nothing and God saved them. They need to remember that without Him they're in bondage. That He is the deliverer.
Those we lead need the past to help them contextualize the present. A good leader always reminds the people, through the vehicle of the past, of who they are and who God is and how they must relate to Him.
LEADERS GIVE THANKS
I gave you a land on which you had not labored, and cities which you had not built, and you have lived in them; you are eating of vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant. (Joshua 24:13)
The greatest leaders are the most humble. And the greatest barometer of humility is gratitude. Wise leaders know they may have contributed to the results, but God is the source of “every good and perfect gift.” Their humility drives them to continually, verbally acknowledge thanksgiving before God and those they lead.
LEADERS MODEL
""As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."" (Joshua 24:14-15)
You cannot lead people where you haven't gone. Good leaders don't point the way, they lead the way by walking ahead.
LEADERS CHALLENGE
""Serve the Lord in sincerity and truth…"" (Joshua 24:14-15)
Leaders are not afraid to call people up, to challenge them to higher steps and standards. He knows that without such exhortations and goals some will invariably settle for less.
LEADERS SUBMIT
""As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."" (Joshua 24:14-15)
Leadership is a great privilege and responsibility. But any leader in this life is only as good as their submission to the lordship of Christ. There is only one perfect leader. All human authority is derived and the best leaders lead out of human surrender and God-initiation.
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