Numbers 27:21
“And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.”
There is none better to define spiritual leadership than God Himself. In the verse above, God was telling Moses what he was to teach Joshua about leading the children of Israel. Moses knew that his days on this Earth were numbered. God had told Moses to go to the top of Mount Abarim, for it was there where God planned on taking him to Heaven. Because of this, Moses pleaded with God to give him more time to train the next man to lead Israel. God agreed, and appointed Joshua as the next leader.
After God agreed to have Moses train Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land, He then gave him the essentials of spiritual leadership. One thing is very evident; today’s definition of leadership is not God’s definition of leadership. God very plainly spells out spiritual leadership. Let me show you what spiritual leadership is.
First, spiritual leadership needs spiritual leadership. This may sound strange, but just because you are a leader doesn’t mean that you don’t need leadership to lead you. The verse above says, “And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest…” Just because you are a leader doesn’t mean that nobody can tell you what to do. Leaders still need leaders who will keep them in check. Leadership without other leaders to lead them will become tyrants. God chose for Joshua to submit himself to the leadership of the man of God, and that would be wise for every leader.
Second, spiritual leadership must be spiritual. It is hard to be a spiritual leader if you are not spiritual yourself. God said that Joshua was to get counsel “…after the judgment of Urim before the LORD…” The leader who doesn’t have a walk with God will fail to get the wisdom of God to handle every circumstance of the day. As a leader, you must have a daily time you walk with God in the Scriptures and prayer. Without a walk with God, you will fail to be a spiritual leader.
Third, spiritual leadership moves at God’s speed. It says in the verse above, “…at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in…” This was not talking about Joshua’s word, but God’s Word. The leader is not to move ahead of God. This is why it’s critical to have a walk with God. Without walking with God, you will not know God’s timing.
Fourth, spiritual leadership is a conduit. It says, “…at his word shall they go out…” The spiritual leader doesn’t do what they want to do, but they will do what God wants them to do. In other words, the spiritual leader is simply a conduit that tells those they lead what God told them to do. Just because you have position does not give you a right to do what you want to do. You still must submit yourself to the leadership of God and only do what God’s Word tells you to do.
Are you a spiritual leader? This world does not need leadership that is led by their own whim, conscience or the day’s culture. This world needs leadership that is spiritual. If the homes, churches, businesses and nations were led by spiritual leadership, then these would have spiritual and lasting results. In whatever area you lead, be a spiritual leader.