At a park recently, I watched siblings playing “Follow the Leader” while going down a slide. Forward, backward, feet first, head first, legs dangling over one side, even s-l-o-w m-o-t-i-o-n! As one led, the other followed.

An excellent example of leadership is found in the Old Testament after Moses passed his mantle to Joshua. Check out a few of Joshua’s leadership qualities.

Ageless. Even though advanced in years (90-100), Joshua continued his assignment of allocating the territories of the Promised Land to the tribes of Israel.

Believed God—no matter what! After receiving God’s battle plans, Joshua boldly marched forward, a behavior of obedience.

Called on God … whether confused or courageous.

Depended on the Lord for direction.

Encouraged others to follow the Lord. Joshua led by example.

Faithful. Joshua’s faith was greater than his fears. When spying out the land of Canaan for Moses, Joshua recognized the possibilities and knew the power of His God was able to lead them in victory over their enemies. 

As one of his last acts of leadership, before his death at age 110, Joshua instructed God’s people, “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness… Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:14-15).

We are all leading someone. How will we lead?