Leaders Must Lead

Joshua 23:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+23&version=NIV
            In today's chapter, Joshua addresses himself to the "elders, leaders, judges and officials" of Israel.  In other words, he addresses their leaders.  He says to them the same thing he is going to say to all the tribes in tomorrow's reading:  Get rid of the idols, finish the job of pushing the Canaanites out, and stay faithful to your God.  If the leaders won't do these things, what chance does the rank and file have?
            That's an important lesson in many areas of life.  In the wake of the tragedy in Boston this week, I was pleased to hear reports yesterday of how closely and seamlessly federal, state, and local authorities were working together.  (It's possible that people were exaggerating the cooperation, but let's imagine the best and assume that the reports were true.)  If you want a city to rally, it helps if those in charge are unified and not bickering.  Same thing in politics:  if our leaders did a better job of working together and finding common ground, it would probably have an effect on the rest of our society.  Same thing in the church:  people can smell a fake; pastors do well to practice what they preach.  Imagine a pastor who preaches about forgiveness but has a reputation for holding grudges--there goes his credibility!
            In short, Joshua (and a bunch of other places in the Bible) recognizes that leaders must lead.  In their attitudes, their words, and their actions they must be the first among their countrymen (fellow Christians).  That's an important lesson for those already in leadership--to live up to their position--and it's a lesson for those who aspire to leadership--that they start building credibility beforehand.