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There was a time when I thought a leader was someone who forged the way and everyone followed them. They had to be charismatic and popular among the people so others would naturally be drawn to them. And of course, I thought, their message or direction had to also be popular.
But that was a long time ago, and boy was I wrong.
You want to know what a good leader is? Someone who will stand for truth and not just lead others by their words, but by example. It’s someone who will teach those that are following them to one day know everything they do, so they in return can do the very same thing. Sometimes that means their message isn’t popular. And being charismatic has nothing to do with it. It’s about the message not the messenger.
Joshua was a great example of an incredible leader. He spoke the truth, straight from the Lord Jehovah, God Almighty.
He led by example, allowing God to work through his life to show his commitment to the Lord. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord…” He was never alone as he fought battles and planned strategies, teaching the others to obey the Lord’s commands. Following the law wasn’t what their flesh wanted, it wasn’t a popular message, but it was one that Joshua preached from day one – serve the Lord alone. We don’t know what Joshua looked like, what he sounded like, or what sort of clothing he wore. None of that mattered. The most important things were written and shared, and none of those things were remarked upon. Why? Because it was all focused on his leadership and his devotion to the Lord. And what was the result of his leadership?
“And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel.” (Joshua 24:31)
Joshua was a great leader and example for his family, his community and all that he encountered. Could the same be said for you and me? Are we the leader God has instructed us to be? To our families, to our community, to all those we encounter… let us be great leaders and show them the truth of Jesus Christ!
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