March 29, 2022
It is in the heart of many of us to lead. There is a longing inside of us to help people 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, Joshua led them in to 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. Their reluctance reminds us how greatly people need to be led. Leaders understand this and don't mind the responsibility of helping people get from one point to the next.
Leaders PLAN
How long will you put off entering to take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you? Provide three men from each tribe … (Joshua 18:3ff)
Joshua sized up the situation and came up with a God-initiated plan. Good leaders know there need to be clear, workable systems in place to take people forward.
Leaders REMIND
Joshua said to the people, “from ancient times …” (Joshua 23:1ff)
Good leaders are redundant. People may get tired of it, but it is necessary to remind people that they were nothing and God saved them. That without Him they would be in bondage. That He is the deliverer. They need the past to help them contextualize the present. A good leader always reminds the people, using the tool of the past, who they are and who God is and how they must relate to Him.
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 personal example.
Leaders CHALLENGE
"Serve the Lord in sincerity and truth … choose for yourselves whom you will serve." (Joshua 24:14-15)
Leaders are not afraid to call people up, to challenge them to higher steps and standards, to bring them to a place of decision. They know that without such exhortations and goals those they are leading will settle for a lesser life.
Father, help me to lead well. Give me grace to hear Your voice and the courage to model and to challenge those in my care. And may all my leadership simply lead them more and more to You!
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