Do you take time to consider the big picture? (74-3)

Many of us work daily on specific areas of personal/character development or becoming better at specific leadership techniques and principles. This daily effort allows us to utilize the potential God created in us. Along with this daily growth, we are well served to periodically look at the big picture of how God develops a leader and make application to our own situation.

Joshua became a leader at one of Israel’s most difficult times in its history. Within days of his appointment he led the nation across the Jordan River into hostile territory and set out to conquer, divide and settle the land God had promised the Hebrew people. It was a daunting task but Joshua succeeded in this assignment as God’s leader. A brief review may help you see how your daily work fits into the big picture of becoming God’s leader for the assignment He has given you:

• Exodus 33:7-11: Joshua had a hunger to be in God’s presence. Joshua used to accompany Moses to the Tent of Meeting where God talked with Moses face to face. After Moses heard from God, he would leave and address the people. But when Joshua came into God’s presence in the Tent of Meeting, he “did not leave the tent.” Joshua demonstrated a deep passion to be in God’s presence. This intimate relationship with God served him well in his demanding leadership challenges.
• Numbers 13:26-14:9: Joshua had a commitment to obey God even when obedience was not the popular choice. Of the twelve spies who checked out the Promised Land in preparation for invasion, only Joshua and Caleb encouraged the people to follow God’s command to move forward. Joshua’s response in these early years helps explain the God-honoring attitude of trust that put him in a position to be appointed Israel’s leader 40 years later.
• Numbers 27:12-23; Joshua 1:1-9: Joshua’s positional and personal authority were based on an impeccable life. Joshua’s integrity and character were essential to his effectiveness as a leader.
• Exodus 24:13; 33:11; Numbers 11:28; Joshua 1:1: Joshua was called “Moses’ aid.” Joshua was a great leader because he humbled himself to accept mentoring; he chose his mentor carefully and was a life long learner from a leader of character.
• Joshua 4:14: Joshua’s leadership was blessed by God and God elevated him to his leadership position. No leader can force God to bless them no matter their action. Our responsibility is to ask God to show us what we need to do to become blessable and then be obedient to develop in those areas. God may choose to bless your obedience by putting you in a critical position of leadership or have you lead from the middle, but like Joshua, the life of obedience, to obey God in the large and small things, will be critical to being blessable.

Write a short paragraph that describes your current focus. Are you lost in the daily grind or do you take time each month to consider the big picture of your leadership? If you do not, ask God to guide you to a plan that will allow you to balance your activity and creative thoughts between daily assignments and long term needs to sustain your growth as a leader.