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. 

The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Jos 4:14.

Mark 12:38-40  As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” 

The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Mk 12:38–40.

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Contrast Moses and Joshua with the teachers of the law. 

Moses and Joshua had gravitas. The teachers of the law had pretentiousness. 

Moses and Joshua walked with God. The teachers of the law cultivated the appearance of walking with God.

Moses and Joshua led with humility and authenticity. The teachers of the law led with arrogance and attitude. 

As you evaluate the legitimacy of spiritual leaders, keep these factors in mind. Trust leaders who spend more time on their face before God and less time getting their faces on social media and advertising. 

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I will walk with God in humility and authenticity.

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Our Father, deliver me from me. Do not allow me to become the star of my own show. I wholeheartedly agree with what John the Baptizer said in John 3:30: He (Jesus) must become greater. I must become less. More Jesus, please. Amen.