Joshua: Chapter 3

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!