Joshua 4:14  That day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they stood in awe of him all the days of his life, just as they had stood in awe of Moses. (NIV)

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Moses and Joshua were awe-worthy leaders. What makes this true?

They took God seriously. They did what he said. In fact, most of what they did was hear and obey God. God said it. They did it. There was no magic formula, no hocus pocus.

They did not follow God perfectly. We see the problems in each of their lives. Moses and Aaron did not follow God’s instructions perfectly and took credit for what only God could do. They did not enter the Promised Land for this reason.

Joshua had his own moment that he no doubt wished he could undo and redo. We see it in Joshua 9 when he allowed the Gibeonites to deceive him. He did what just about everyone would do and followed his own reasoning. A quick prayer asking God what he thought would have saved him an embarrassing chapter in the book written about his leadership.

Sometimes our worst failures follow good logic and poor obedience. 

It’s important to stay in step with God even when we’ve been down a particular road before. It’s never too early to ask God what’s next. It’s never too small a thing to seek his wisdom. 

Awe-worthy leaders do not require bluster and bravado. Giant egos prevent awe and lead to unforced errors. Those who do not listen for God’s directions and the wise counsel of seasoned leaders end up costing themselves the respect they hope to gain or maintain. 

How will you lead an awe-worthy life today? 

This, hint-hint, is a good time to pray.

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I will seek God’s wisdom and follow his instructions.

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Our Father, thank you that you not only guide us in big things but also in small things. After all, what is big to you? Please give me wisdom, insight, and understanding today in all that’s before me. Teach me how to live in constant awareness of your presence and conversation regarding all I face and encounter. Amen.