3 Qualities To Follow

In the Bible, we find a great leader named Joshua. His life and ministry have been studied over and over, by those seeking to become great leaders. Maybe you’re unfamiliar with Joshua’s life and leadership, and wondering, “What made Joshua such a great leader?”

Perhaps you’re familiar with Joshua’s story but curious about How you might mirror Joshua’s character in your day-to-day life? In my opinion, I see three important qualities that made Joshua a great leader.

1. Bravery – Numbers 13-14

We see this attribute almost immediately. As a spy sent to obtain a report on the Promised Land. Ten of the men were terrified by what they saw, but Joshua and Caleb didn’t see it as a problem.

6 And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, “The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land. 8 If the LORD delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.” (Numbers 14:6-9 – ESV)

A great leader faces adversity head-on.

2. Integrity – Joshua 6

Joshua knew how to follow orders. From the battle of Jericho onward, he continued to follow the Lord’s instructions to the letter.

26 Joshua laid an oath on them at that time, saying, “Cursed before the LORD be the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho. “At the cost of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest son shall he set up its gates.” 27 So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame was in all the land. (Joshua 6:26-27 – ESV)

A great leader gets the job done (without skipping out on any of the assigned tasks).

3. Faith – Joshua 24

Not much was needed to convince Joshua. If the Lord wanted it done, Joshua believed it would happen without question. Even at the end of his life, he was still pursuing faithfulness and encouraging God’s people to do the same.

14 “Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:14-15 – ESV)

A great leader understands their call and assumes God will take care of the details.

Continue Studying Joshua’s Leadership

Check out a few more posts, all based on Joshua’s leadership:

• As for Me and My House, We Will Serve the Lord
• Could You Use Joshua’s Leadership Tips?
• Would You Answer Joshua’s Call to Service?

Join the Conversation, Leave Your Thoughts:

• What other qualities have you found in Joshua’s leadership?
• What other leaders in the Bible have aided in your leadership?
• How will you use Biblical instruction in your leadership this week?