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!