Focal Passage: Joshua 24:14-18, 24-26
How many of us stepped into leadership already knowing exactly what to do?
Odds are there was someone who went before us who taught us and shared their wisdom.
If nothing else, we at least learned not to repeat their mistakes. When we look to our Christian walk, the same principle is true.
In my own experience, many of the times of greatest growth in my walk with Christ have come from older, wiser men taking time to invest in me and teaching me how to follow the Lord.
Often, this instruction was pleasant and easy going, but there were times when I needed to be brought to my senses a bit more forcefully.
In much the same way, Joshua lays out a stark choice before Israel.
As his final act of public leadership, Joshua presents Israel with the option to worship and obey the one true God or to turn away and follow false gods.
There simply was no middle ground, they were either for God or they were not. In laying the options before them, Joshua did not keep his decision a secret. He was clear with Israel: both he and his family would follow the Lord.
Our leadership likewise needs to do two things.
First, we have to set the example.
Just as others influenced us and gave us an example to follow (or in some cases, to reject), we too have to lead with our lives as we show others what it means to follow Christ.
However, it’s not enough to just be a good example.
Part of the leader’s task is to call others to follow God in obedience.
This isn’t necessarily comfortable.
In fact, it can be difficult and awkward to challenge others to obedience in the Lord, but leaders recognize the necessity.
The greatest example and the greatest call to follow are both found in Christ. May we lead others as He leads His church!