Leadership lessons from Joshua

Joshua 1:8 (New International Version)

⁸ Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Today the trend in our culture seems to convey the idea that effective leadership no longer exists. And, as result of this alleged leadership vacuum, we see the development and marketing of an entire leadership industry within our school systems and economy. Some might say this trend is “not having any real impact,” and others may say “give it time.” Yet, the truth of the matter is God gave Joshua the guarantee for successful leadership over 3500 years ago. How much would you pay if someone could guarantee they could make you a successful leader? Obviously that type of wisdom is priceless. Yet, our God gives us this wisdom for free. Look at the text. In vs. 8 we see the resource the Kingdom leader is to reference in developing his or her leadership paradigm, Book of the Law.” What is the Book of the Law? It’s the Bible; however, the context of the Scripture specifically referenced is the Pentateuch, the books of Moses, or the first five books of the bible. Interestingly, there are no other references that can add to the Kingdom leader’s success. The bible alone is sufficient. Next, how do we utilize this resource? We are told to “meditate on it day and night.” Wow, the interesting thing about this reference is that we don’t see 12 steps to success. We are told to indefinitely meditate on it. This point alone may deter you. Nevertheless, hold on—the reward for our endurance is guaranteed. The next question is what do we do with the information? We are told to apply it to our lives, “be careful to do everything written in it.” Our success as a Kingdom leader hinges on this doing what is written; reading it alone is not enough. We don’t get kudos in the Kingdom for the knowledge we have accumulated. What we do get credit for is applying that knowledge to our Journey. Then we progress to the next line in the Scripture that says— if you do this, “Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Did you see it? God’s guarantee! I am not saying it is a simple thing, but that it has God’s guarantee behind it. Even if it requires all you have to apply this to your life, the great thing about it is God will establish the results. Imagine the impact we could have if every Kingdom leader was successful. Our culture says we have a leadership void in America. As result, a booming leadership industry is developing to sure up the gulf. Before you spend all your money on leadership paraphernalia understand that over 3500 years ago God have Joshua the formula for successful leadership free of charge. And, He’s been trying to give it to you for free as well.