There is one distinct leadership characteristic that radiates throughout Joshua Chapter 3: Leaders must have followers. And good leaders influence their followers to get them to go in their direction.
First, we see Israel's officers giving orders to the nation: "When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about a thousand yards between you and the ark; do not go near it." (vv. 3-4, NIV) Israel's officers gave clear directions to the people. Leaders must be able to communicate clearly and effectively so that their followers can come in behind them in the proper manner.
Then, in verse 6, we see an example of the people following their leader. "Joshua said to the priests, 'Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people.' So they took it up and went ahead of them." (NIV) Note the cause-and-effect situation here. Joshua gave the order, and the priests followed his direction. This is an essential dynamic that must take place between the leader and his followers in order for things to get done effectively.
So, first we see the officers giving direction to the people. Then Joshua giving directions to the officers. Next, we see God talking to Joshua. (Note that, even though there is an increase in rank, leaders still have someone they need to follow, up to the point of God Himself, who Maxwell titles the Ultimate Leader.) In verse 7, God tells Joshua, "Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses." (NIV) For the nation of Israel to operate in the proper manner, and do so effectively, the general populace needed to look to the officers for direction, who looked to Joshua for their orders, who looked to God for guidance. And the fact that Joshua looked to God before seeking anyone else made his leadership real and effective.
While you may be a leader, you probably have someone you have to follow as well. Take the example of Joshua. He held Israel's leading rank as far as mankind was concerned. However, he needed to look to God for guidance on what he was to do. It is very important to remember that, while you may have the highest title in an organization, you still have someone that you need to look to and follow, even if it is only to God Himself.
Ask God to help you better yourself as a leader. But also remember to ask Him to mold you into a better follower as well. Taking the two together, with God's guidance, you can do amazing things!
God bless you!
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Joshua: Chapter 2
Good leadership characteristics are portrayed in Joshua Chapter 2. One cannot lead others if they are not willing to follow. Joshua was able to get his people to follow him.
Right away, in verse 1, we see that Joshua told his followers to go, and they went! That took influence. As Maxwell points out in his Law of Influence, "Leadership is influence--nothing more, nothing less." If you cannot influence your followers, how can you expect them to follow you? In fact, I believe that it is impossible for someone to follow another if there is no influence. There must be some reason that a person follows another, or they wouldn't be following!
Maxwell points out that Joshua came to leadership at a time when Israel needed military leadership. And that is plain to see, as the book of Joshua has a lot to do with the conquest of Canaan. Through this example, we learn that, though someone may be a leader, he or she is not always suited for every situation. A leader has specific strengths, and God can call him to lead when the situation best fits his skillset.
Another example of the Law of Influence comes from a person we might least expect it from: Rahab, the prostitute. God changed Rahab's heart and used her for good, to help His people take the Promised Land. Maxwell points out that God chose her, "because leadership depends less on titles than it does on influence." He mentions that Rahab was considered lower than the lower-class citizens because of her profession. Yet God chose her to do His will. God is able to use anyone, as long as they are willing to follow His direction and trust Him. "Wise leaders remember that God sees the human heart." (Maxwell)
Chapter 2 provides proof that God changed Rahab's heart and thus was able to use her. In the second part of verse 11, Rahab says, "for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below." Furthermore, the oath sworn between her and the spies she requested be made in the Lord's Name. God used Rahab to influence the Israelite people in a positive way and helped the spies to carry out the commands Joshua gave them. God used her in his plan despite her position.
We see two distinct examples of leadership in this chapter. Joshua was indeed a leader, appointed by God, to help the Israelite nation. Rahab was also given the opportunity to lead by helping the spies. In doing so, she saved the lives of her family and herself. Both of these cases boil down to one thing: Influence. To conclude, I leave you with the words of John Maxwell: "Leadership is influence--nothing more, nothing less."
God bless you!
Right away, in verse 1, we see that Joshua told his followers to go, and they went! That took influence. As Maxwell points out in his Law of Influence, "Leadership is influence--nothing more, nothing less." If you cannot influence your followers, how can you expect them to follow you? In fact, I believe that it is impossible for someone to follow another if there is no influence. There must be some reason that a person follows another, or they wouldn't be following!
Maxwell points out that Joshua came to leadership at a time when Israel needed military leadership. And that is plain to see, as the book of Joshua has a lot to do with the conquest of Canaan. Through this example, we learn that, though someone may be a leader, he or she is not always suited for every situation. A leader has specific strengths, and God can call him to lead when the situation best fits his skillset.
Another example of the Law of Influence comes from a person we might least expect it from: Rahab, the prostitute. God changed Rahab's heart and used her for good, to help His people take the Promised Land. Maxwell points out that God chose her, "because leadership depends less on titles than it does on influence." He mentions that Rahab was considered lower than the lower-class citizens because of her profession. Yet God chose her to do His will. God is able to use anyone, as long as they are willing to follow His direction and trust Him. "Wise leaders remember that God sees the human heart." (Maxwell)
Chapter 2 provides proof that God changed Rahab's heart and thus was able to use her. In the second part of verse 11, Rahab says, "for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below." Furthermore, the oath sworn between her and the spies she requested be made in the Lord's Name. God used Rahab to influence the Israelite people in a positive way and helped the spies to carry out the commands Joshua gave them. God used her in his plan despite her position.
We see two distinct examples of leadership in this chapter. Joshua was indeed a leader, appointed by God, to help the Israelite nation. Rahab was also given the opportunity to lead by helping the spies. In doing so, she saved the lives of her family and herself. Both of these cases boil down to one thing: Influence. To conclude, I leave you with the words of John Maxwell: "Leadership is influence--nothing more, nothing less."
God bless you!
Monday, March 7, 2016
Joshua: Chapter 1
After praying to God about studying one book in particular (I didn't have one in mind at the time), I asked Him to help me choose one to study. He led me to Joshua. And Joshua is a great book for leaders to study, as the man was indeed a leader, and one that we can model ourselves after.
First of all, Joshua's call to leadership came straight from the Lord Himself. In the second part of verse 5, the Lord tells Joshua, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6-8 also backs up that claim that the Lord is always with us. No matter what God has called you to, it should be comforting to know that you're not in it alone! And for leaders, while we are called to lead others, we must also submit to God, whom John C. Maxwell calls The Ultimate Leader.
What does it take to be a leader? One thing is courage. Joshua 1:9 says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Further confirmation of this teaching can be found in Psalm 27:1, Deuteronomy 31:7-8, and Jeremiah 1:8. The band Casting Crowns reiterates, "We were made to be courageous! We were made to lead the way!" ("Courageous") God has called us not to worrisome leadership, but to courageous leadership! He is with us! Why should we be afraid?
Furthermore, not only did God tell Joshua to take courage, but his followers continued the call, telling him, at the end of verse 18, "Only be strong and courageous!" Under Joshua's leadership, the nation of Israel was pointed toward God and followed Him. Where does your leadership take your followers? Do you point them to a Godly life?
As you take on new endeavors, whether they involve leadership or not, take note of what the Life Application Study Bible has to say: "Every new job is a challenge. Without God it can be frightening. With God it can be a great adventure. Just as God was with Joshua, he is with us as we face our new challenges. By asking God to direct us we can conquer many of life's challenges." Don't cower back and say that you are incapable or that you do not have what it takes. Remember, "With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies." (Psalm 60:12)
No matter what you face, trust God to lead you. Say to yourself, "Greater is the One living inside of me than he who is living in the world!" (That comes from MercyMe's song "Greater.")
Ask God to give you the faith and the courage that Joshua had so that you can be a great leader for God! No matter what, "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)
Pray this simple prayer: "God, please lead me so that I can lead others. In Jesus' Name. Amen!" The first part of the Serenity prayer may also help if you are facing difficulties: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
God bless you!
First of all, Joshua's call to leadership came straight from the Lord Himself. In the second part of verse 5, the Lord tells Joshua, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6-8 also backs up that claim that the Lord is always with us. No matter what God has called you to, it should be comforting to know that you're not in it alone! And for leaders, while we are called to lead others, we must also submit to God, whom John C. Maxwell calls The Ultimate Leader.
What does it take to be a leader? One thing is courage. Joshua 1:9 says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Further confirmation of this teaching can be found in Psalm 27:1, Deuteronomy 31:7-8, and Jeremiah 1:8. The band Casting Crowns reiterates, "We were made to be courageous! We were made to lead the way!" ("Courageous") God has called us not to worrisome leadership, but to courageous leadership! He is with us! Why should we be afraid?
Furthermore, not only did God tell Joshua to take courage, but his followers continued the call, telling him, at the end of verse 18, "Only be strong and courageous!" Under Joshua's leadership, the nation of Israel was pointed toward God and followed Him. Where does your leadership take your followers? Do you point them to a Godly life?
As you take on new endeavors, whether they involve leadership or not, take note of what the Life Application Study Bible has to say: "Every new job is a challenge. Without God it can be frightening. With God it can be a great adventure. Just as God was with Joshua, he is with us as we face our new challenges. By asking God to direct us we can conquer many of life's challenges." Don't cower back and say that you are incapable or that you do not have what it takes. Remember, "With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies." (Psalm 60:12)
No matter what you face, trust God to lead you. Say to yourself, "Greater is the One living inside of me than he who is living in the world!" (That comes from MercyMe's song "Greater.")
Ask God to give you the faith and the courage that Joshua had so that you can be a great leader for God! No matter what, "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)
Pray this simple prayer: "God, please lead me so that I can lead others. In Jesus' Name. Amen!" The first part of the Serenity prayer may also help if you are facing difficulties: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
God bless you!
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