*Old Testament: Joshua 1
Poetry: Psalm 43
New Testament: Romans 14
Ahh, don’t you just love the political campaign season?! The mud-slinging ads, heated debates, and unwelcome solicitation of political literature are so refreshing to the soul! (Can you detect any sarcasm?) While I care deeply about this world in which my children are growing up and will always be grateful for the brave men and women who paved the way for freedom and suffrage, all the negativity and animosity around the primary and general elections, especially in a presidential election year, wear on my spirit.
Speaking of elections and leaders, did you know that George Washington never wanted to be President? The great military general was relieved when the Revolutionary War ended so he could continue living simply on his Virginia farm, Mount Vernon. The only president to be voted in unanimously by the Electoral College, Washington spent exactly zero dollars on his campaign. He took his role as President very seriously, but feeling the weight of the country on his shoulders, he set the precedent for serving only two terms because he was more than ready to retire. One could argue that it was his humility that made him a great leader; others had grievances against him, claiming that many of his actions were quite negative. Though we can be prone to consider him a flawless leader, George Washington definitely had his share of critics by the time he left office.
Biblical leader Moses had been a great guide for his people (the Israelites) and Joshua became leader of Israel following the death of Moses. He had been an assistant to Moses and, like Washington, seemed to have unanimous support. The theme of Joshua chapter one could be COURAGE. God knew that the tasks ahead seemed impossible, from crossing the flooded River Jordan to fighting all of the established cities that stood between the Israelites and their Promised Land. God reminded them that He would be present every step of the way. It wouldn’t be easy, but they only needed to obey, and He would fight with them. The people rallied around Joshua, promising in verse 16 to do whatever he commanded.
Did you notice the directive (Joshua 1:7b-8) sandwiched between the reminders to “be strong and courageous”? The LORD reminds his people to follow all the commands given to Moses and to “meditate on the Book of the Law day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” God wants His people to have success and to enter their Promised Land, but it is conditional; they must stay true to Him, not straying from His ways and His laws.
Though these words were spoken to a distinct group of people at a specific time in history, I think they are still applicable to us today. God wants us to be strong and courageous to do the work He has called us to do for Him, but it is important that we are careful to follow His ways and stay in the Word. While you and I will most likely never be in charge of a country or even millions of people, we all lead in some ways. As a parent, I lead my children so they can become responsible, God-fearing adults. As a tutor, I lead my students in understanding math and reading concepts. In my church family, I try to encourage and help other people, both tall and small, learn more about God. In all of these areas, if I did not depend on God’s wisdom and strength to help me, I would fail. I could say that my leadership doesn’t matter all that much compared to being a President or a famous leader from the Bible, but in reality, the small steps you and I take as leaders can have eternal influence, especially when we are investing in the spiritual lives of others in the family of God. Lead with God as your Guide. Keep focused on His Word as you do His work.
-Rachel Cain
Reflection questions:
– Make a list of all the big and small ways you lead – at home, at your job, at church. How do you (or should you) rely on God’s strength to lead?
– Where might God be calling you to step up as a leader, or back down so you can pursue other things he has for you?
Seek Grow Love 