I’ve always been interested in the fact that the first chapter of Joshua shows God repeatedly encouraging Joshua to not be dissuaded or discouraged. At least six times, Joshua is encouraged to not despair or be discouraged but to be filled with courage. There he was, clearly one of the two bravest men in the life of his nation, yet God warns him against fearlessness.
Why was this? God warned Joshua because fearless leaders move up and down a spectrum of faith. Dynamic leadership does reel and get pushed back by circumstances. All leaders do.
But substantive, courageous leaders push back. Most of us can think of courageous leaders we’ve had contact with on some level or another. These leaders may be vital administrators in an organization or dynamic spokespersons. But I’m sure we’ve all been impressed by some.
And conversely, I think if we’ve had the opportunity to see such heroes up close, we’ve seen their humanity. No fearless leader is fearless 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Fearless leaders are those who deliberately find their way back to the powerful center in their life. They find their way back to the way of feeling, thinking and acting that necessitates the “God factor.”
