Joshua was a great leader!

There are some great leadership principles in the last half of Joshua.

There is some important information given on the boundary lines of the ‘promised land‘, in relation to the tribe-divisions. Then we find some discussion surrounding the nation’s future.

In the chapter of the book, we find one of the most famous verses in the Old Testament:

“…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15b)

This verse has become a real money-maker for Christian retail. It’s been placed on welcome mats, door knockers, mail boxes, etc. And yet, there’s a catch to this empowering, all-encompassing statement.

Most of us are left believing that this is an entire verse, without ever reading the chapter in which it’s found.

In the first couple of paragraphs of Joshua 24, we read an exciting re-cap of the great things that God has done, to bring Israel back into their homeland.

Then we read the following:

“¹⁴ “Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. ¹⁵ If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”” (Joshua 24:14-15)

In my opinion, these verses should be echoed by leaders more than Christian retail! It’s like a formula to follow when speaking to our followers.

1. Remind the people of all the great things God has done – 24:1-13.
2. State what action(s) should be followed  – 24:14.
3. Give the option to walk away and fully embrace a different path – 24:15a.
4. State which path you and your household will follow – 24:15b.

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How could you use Joshua’s leadership tips?