Step Up

In Joshua 24:15, Joshua is at the end of his life and has one final opportunity to speak to the nation he has led. He reminds them of what is most important and tells them that they will have to make a choice-they will either worship other false gods or declare their allegiance to the one true God. He then makes a bold (but not surprising) statement in front of his people. He says that his family will choose to follow God regardless of what other people will do.

It's important for leaders to take the first step of faith even when they are unsure of how those following them will respond. Our faithfulness will be measured in our obedience to God's direction and not in how it's received by others.

Do All the Things

The book of Joshua tells the story of Israel's victory in Canaan and the work of Joshua. There are great tales of battles, conquering foes, and following God's will. Also in the book are chapters devoted to Joshua assigning land to the tribes to ensure their futures. Acting as a realtor for the Israelites isn't the most thrilling of bedtime stories--fighting battles for God is certainly more engaging and exciting. This doesn't negate the importance of doing all that God asks, however, even when it doesn't thrill the soul.

It's an important lesson for leaders to understand that fulfilling all the tasks God has assigned to us reflects our obedience regardless of the excitement level. As fully devoted and developing followers, we should exhibit a willingness to do what He is calling us to do in that moment. The best leaders work equally as hard and are patient through whatever the position requires at that time. Fathers lead their families best when they are consistent through the normal and the abnormal. Husbands show love to their wives in the ordinary and not just the extraordinary. Men are spiritual leaders through the day-to-day devotion to the King as well as the time of great trial and risk. 

Joshua's consistent example revealed his passionate desire to do whatever God's will called for. Our obedience n the mundane and the fascinating reveals our own character and develops us into godly leaders worth following.

That's Enough

If you were to ask people to describe in one word what they would like their life to be, I doubt they would use the word mediocre. That's not really a level to attain to and doesn't inspire visions of things to come.

The truth however is that we tend to settle for that in our relationship with God. We become content with what He has already done in our lives and we stop there. We aren't having any major financial difficulties so we stop praying about our money. Our families are fairly healthy and getting along for now so we stop praying for God's work in it. Our churches seem to have a decent number of people in the seats each weekend and we leave feeling good about ourselves so we stop praying for growth and stretching. We become complacent because of the work that God has already done and how far we have come from where we used to be. 

In the book of Joshua we see the story of the Israelites conquering the Promised Land. It is a testimony of God's power and His ability to fulfill His promises through His people. In Joshua 18:3 however we see Joshua say this, "How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given you?"

The Israelites had become content in their current situation. God had brought them victories, but His plan wasn't done yet. He intended for them to keep pushing on towards the goal He had called them to. It was going to require faithful obedience to His calling on their lives. 

Like the Israelites we have to decide if what God has already done is enough for us or if we are willing to push past mediocrity to see what radical steps He has for us next.