The Defining Marks of Leadership
What Joshua Teaches Us About Faithful Leadership in a Noisy World
I recall a recent opportunity to connect with a local pastor to catch up and discuss a variety of topics. As we talked, he shared his experience of stepping into the lead role at his church, following in the footsteps of its founding pastor—a man of great vision, charisma, and bold action. Leadership came naturally to his predecessor, a person known for big ideas, decisive steps, and strong influence. In contrast, my pastor friend never aspired to be in senior leadership. He was content to serve, to support, and to shepherd. However, he had always remained open to God's leading, willing to step into leadership if called.
Now that he had taken on this new role, he found himself wrestling with what leadership should look like. He was gifted in the shepherding of the flock, guiding people toward deeper spiritual maturity. But as he sought wisdom, much of what he encountered about leadership—whether from books, articles, or cultural narratives—centered on vision, grit, and a growth mindset as the defining marks of leadership.
We didn't have time to finish our conversation that day, but his words stayed with me. Our conversation left me thinking deeply about what truly defines leadership. The following day, as I spent time with the Lord, I came across a passage in Joshua that seemed to answer that very question:
Just as the Lord had commanded His servant Moses, Moses commanded Joshua. That is what Joshua did, leaving nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses. (Joshua 11:15, HCSB)
That single verse summed up Joshua's leadership in a powerful way. He was not known for his charm, groundbreaking ideas, or strategic prowess. Instead, his defining mark was faithfulness and obedience to the Lord. He simply did what God asked of him—nothing more, nothing less.
As I reflected, I began asking myself: What are the defining marks of leadership from a Kingdom perspective? Three key principles came to mind.
1. Identity Formation – Knowing Who We Are in Christ
The foundation of leadership is knowing who we are and what we have been created to do. The world often tells us leadership is about power, influence, or talent. But Biblical leadership begins with identity—knowing that we are made in the image of God (Imago Dei), have been reconciled to God through Christ, and are called to glorify Him.
So God created man in His own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female. (Genesis 1:27, HCSB)
As believers, our identity is not found in our achievements, but in Christ alone. Scripture tells us, "[The] old things have passed away, and look new things have come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are sons and daughters of the King—clothed in Christ's righteousness, living as His representatives on earth.
A leader who understands their identity in Christ does not lead out of insecurity or the need for approval. They lead with confidence in God's calling and humility in His authority. Authentic leadership is rooted not in proving ourselves, but in resting in who God says we are.
2. Faithfulness and Obedience – Leaving Nothing Undone
The second defining mark of Kingdom leadership is a life of faithfulness and obedience. Joshua's life was marked by unwavering faithfulness—he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded.
Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. (Joshua 1:7, HCSB)
Joshua's leadership was not about personal ambition or self-promotion. It was about carrying out God's instructions with diligence and perseverance. This is a theme we see throughout Scripture:
Noah built the ark exactly as God instructed, despite the ridicule of others (Genesis 6:22).
Moses led Israel out of Egypt, faithfully following God's guidance (Exodus 40:16).
Mary humbly accepted God's call to bear the Savior, declaring, "I am the Lord's servant" (Luke 1:38).
Biblical leadership is not about results—it's about obedience. In a world obsessed with outcomes and recognition, God calls us to be faithful to what He has given us. True success is not measured by titles or influence but by whether we have done what God has asked us to do.
3. A Greater Love for Others – Leading as Christ Led
The final mark of Biblical leadership is love. Jesus Himself demonstrated this perfectly:
No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13, HCSB)
Jesus, the ultimate leader, didn't command armies or seek political power. Instead, He knelt and washed His disciples' feet (John 13:3-5). He laid down His life so that we might live. His leadership was defined by sacrificial love.
When I examine my own life, I realize how limited my love can be—even for those I care about most. My love for my wife, children, colleagues, and neighbors is often incomplete and inadequate. But the love God calls us to is far greater. His love flows through us—"We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). This kind of love changes everything. It shifts leadership from control to service, from authority to humility, from self-interest to sacrifice. A Biblical leader is not consumed with their own success, but with the flourishing of those they serve. They see people through God's eyes—valued, cherished, and worth investing in.
How, Then, Shall We Lead?
As I reflect on Joshua's life and my conversation with my pastor friend, I find myself asking:
Do I lead from my identity in Christ or seek validation from others?
Am I faithful to what God has given me, leaving nothing undone?
Do I love others with a love from God rather than my limited strength?
Leadership in the Kingdom is not about personality, influence, or worldly success. It is about identity, faithfulness, and love. Joshua led well because he walked in obedience. Jesus led well because He poured Himself out for others. The greatest leaders are those who know they are servants first—servants of God and servants of His people.
May we strive to lead in this way—anchored in our identity, faithful in our calling, and overflowing with God's love.
Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9, HCSB)