Issue #408, October 1, 2025

Do you consider yourself a follower of Jesus or a friend of Jesus? The difference is profoundly significant. The words Jesus gave His disciples invite us to an intimate friendship:

¹⁴You are my friends if you do what I command. ¹⁵ I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. ¹⁷ This is my command: Love each other  (John 15:14-17).

Friendship implies a close intimate relationship. Jesus reveals to the disciples that He desires an intimate friendship with them, much deeper than they have imagined. And He graciously shows them the way to this intimacy.

Intimate leaders are friends as they obey the commands of Jesus.

Jesus says, “You are my friends if you do what I command.” Obedience is expected and required for the followers of Jesus. He gave many commands to be obeyed.  His commands in the context of this chapter focus on remaining or abiding in Him. Obedience to the commands to abide will produce intimacy and friendship. This is not a burdensome journey to win His friendship; it is a journey of deepening intimacy of relationship.  Intimacy without obedience is impossible; but obedience without intimacy happens to many leaders, myself included! 

Some leaders seek to win God’s favor through obedience alone without abiding. But serving leaders seek to walk so intimately with Jesus that they obey as friends on a journey. 

Intimate leaders are friends as they understand the desires of Jesus.

Jesus clarifies why simple obedience is not what He wants, “….a servant does not know his master’s business.” Jesus contrasts friendship and service and cautions all leaders that it is possible to perform actions of service for Him without intimacy with Him.  Servants are able to obey without really understanding the heart and desires of the master. They simply follow instructions. Jesus invites His disciples to move beyond mere obedience to a deeper understanding of His heart. He wants us to walk in obedience that flows from a deep friendship with Him.

Some leaders dutifully obey the commands of Jesus but remain far from His heart. They don’t cultivate the intimacy that is required to be a friend of Jesus. But serving leaders press in to find the heart of Jesus and as they understand His heart, live lives of joyful obedience. 

Intimate leaders are friends as they respond to the invitation of Jesus.   

Jesus makes it clear that this friendship is His choice, “You did not choose me, but I chose you….” We have the privilege of choosing our friends and Jesus has the same choice. Jesus chose us to be His friends! This must have been an astounding truth for the disciples who first heard these words. Jesus was inviting them into an intimate friendship with Himself. He was opening up His own life and heart to them and calling them to move beyond simple obedience to radical friendship. This was the culmination of all He had taught them about abiding in Him, to respond to His invitation to an intimate friendship.

Some leaders focus on their choice to follow Jesus and congratulate themselves for making the right choice. But serving leaders are amazed that Jesus chose them and joyfully choose to deepen their intimacy with Him. Then all their leadership flows from and is shaped by that response to the invitation of Jesus for friendship.

For further reflection and discussion:

As I reflect on my own leadership regarding how much I am a friend of Jesus, how would I rate myself on a scale of 1 to 10?      What blocks me from being a closer friend?

Is my obedience my attempt to win Jesus’ friendship, or does it flow out of my abiding in Him?  What is an example of that in my life in the past week?  

Do I see my relationship to Jesus more like a servant or a friend? How does this impact my leadership?

After reflecting on these questions, read the entire chapter, John 15. What additional insights do I find in this chapter about how my intimacy with Jesus shapes my leadership?  

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll begin a new series! If you would like this entire series on Intimacy in one document, click here to download.

Issue #407, September 17, 2025

Most leaders say that their people are valuable.  But serving leaders actually love like Jesus. An intimate relationship with Jesus becomes the foundation of the way they treat their teams, make decisions and build culture. Jesus talked about this dynamic love relationship:

  ⁹ “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. ¹¹ I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. ¹² My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:9-13, NIV).  

Jesus calls His followers to live and lead with His love.

Intimate leaders experience the love of Jesus.

Jesus encourages His disciples, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Now remain in my love.” Jesus experienced the love of the Father, shared that love with His disciples and now urges them to deeply and permanently experience His love. He calls them to “remain” in this intimate relationship with Him. Jesus never intended for us to only know Him in our minds; He wanted us to experience His love in a way that transforms our relationship with Him. This experience with the love of Jesus should come before our attempt to love others.

Some leaders know they should love others and treat them correctly, so they work hard on people skills and the art of influence. But serving leaders cultivate an intimate experience of the love of Jesus before they try to love others. 

Intimate leaders respond to the love of Jesus. 

“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love,…I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Jesus understood that genuine love for another produces a desire to please them and to do what they want. So, He immediately links loving Him with obedience. He certainly wants His followers to obey what He calls them to do. But this is not a heavy, burdensome obligation, it is a response to love. He knows that we will be tempted to obey without experiencing His love, so he links obedience with joy—complete joy!

Some leaders seek to obey rules or a moral code but find it legalistic rather than life-giving. But serving leaders have experienced the love of Jesus and from that position respond with joy to His instructions. Their obedience flows from a loving relationship rather than an obligation.

Intimate leaders imitate the love of Jesus.  

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus tells His disciples that the greatest expression of their love will be to lay down their lives for others. This is the essence of serving leadership, giving one’s life in service to others. Jesus expects this result to flow from an intimate experience of His love.

Some leaders seek to serve others because they are convinced it will produce good results. They serve their team to achieve results. They serve with their head. This is commendable but very different from serving leaders who love others in response to the love they have received from Jesus. They reflect Jesus’ love in tangible ways in their workplace. They serve with their heart. 

For further reflection and discussion:

As I reflect on my own leadership regarding how much I love like Jesus, how would I rate myself on a scale of 1 to 10?      What blocks me from loving Him more?

At what level have I experienced the love of Jesus in my own heart and soul?  Does my service for Him flow out of a sense of duty or a response to His love?

Does my obedience result in deep joy in my heart or do I continually wonder if I am doing enough?

Do I approach my daily work with a sense of moral obligations or joyful obedience that flows out of a love relationship with Jesus? How does this impact my leadership? 

Does my service to others flow out of my head or my heart? Is my concern for my team based on universal leadership realities or my intimacy with Jesus?

After reflecting on these questions, read the entire chapter, John 15. What additional insights do I find in this chapter about how my intimacy with Jesus shapes my leadership?  

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll examine how intimate leaders are friends of Jesus.

Issue #406, September 3, 2025

Leaders naturally gravitate towards the front of the room. They often enjoy being in the spotlight, recognized and acknowledged as important people. They bring glory to themselves and use their positions to build their own name.  But when a leader walks in deep intimacy with Jesus, everything in their life will bring genuine glory to God, not themselves. Jesus told His disciples: 

  ⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples (John 15:7-8, NIV).

Jesus wanted His disciples to understand that when they are in an intimate relationship with Him, they will bear fruit. That fruit brings glory to the Father and identifies them as His disciples. He identifies three ways that they bring Him glory.

Intimate leaders bring glory to Jesus by immersing themselves in the Word.

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you,….” The primary thing a serving leader can do to grow in intimacy is to saturate themselves in the words of Scripture. They allow it to sink deep into their hearts. As they need daily food for their body, they also need daily food for their soul.  Immersing themselves in the Word allows God’s nature and character to be formed in their own lives.

Some leaders immerse themselves in social media, podcasts and read books to be more successful. But serving leaders immerse themselves in Scripture in ways that deepen their intimacy with Jesus. Whether leading a church or a business team, leaders who spend time with Jesus make decisions that honor Him and bless others. Then their success brings glory to Jesus.

Intimate leaders bring glory to Jesus by consistent prayer.  

Jesus continues, “…ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” He invites His followers to let the Word transform them and then to bring their requests to Him in prayer.  Serving leaders recognize that time spent in reading Scripture and prayer is an essential part of their leadership journey. Prayer grows intimacy and intimacy leads to more prayer. 

Some leaders seek results in well-developed strategy and work hard to produce results. But serving leaders stop and ask Jesus to lead and guide their decisions, attitudes and progress. They learn to depend on His guidance more than their own intuition and ability. As they deepen their intimacy with Jesus, they bring glory to Him as He provides guidance.

Intimate leaders bring glory to Jesus by identifying themselves as disciples.

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” Jesus teaches the disciples that when they immerse themselves in His Word and spend consistent time in prayer, He will respond, and produce fruit. The fruit will mark them as His disciples. This fruit is much more than just profit or attendance numbers. When serving leaders walk in intimacy with Jesus, all around them people flourish and come to life. There is healthy growth that brings glory, not to the leader, but to Jesus, the author of abundant life.

Some leaders focus on producing results that they consider the fruit of their efforts. But serving leaders focus on developing intimacy with Jesus which produces beautiful and lasting fruit. A manager who spends time in Scripture and prayer can guide their team with wisdom, not simply chasing results. Serving leaders bring glory to Jesus as they produce fruit that identifies them as disciples of Jesus.

Many leaders live to bring themselves glory, but serving leaders bring glory to Jesus as they deepen their intimacy with Him.

For further reflection and discussion:

-As I reflect on my own leadership regarding how much my life brings glory to Jesus, how would I rate myself on a scale of 1 to 10?      In what ways do I take glory for myself?  What blocks me from bringing Jesus greater glory?

-In what ways do my daily habits of Scripture reading and prayer shape my leadership? Are there ways that I have relied more on other sources for guidance and how has that impacted my leadership?   

-Are there ways in my current leadership role that I am focused more on results than intimacy with Jesus?  How does this impact my leadership and what, if anything, do I need to change?

-After reflecting on these questions, read the entire chapter, John 15. What additional insights do I find in this chapter about how my intimacy with Jesus shapes my leadership?  

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll look at how intimate leaders love like Jesus. 

Issue #405, August 20, 2025

Leaders love results! They measure progress, celebrate wins and dream of seeing their vision become reality. But serving leaders learn that fruit comes, not from their striving, but because of their intimate relationship with Jesus.  Consider His words to the disciples:

⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned (John 15:4-5, NIV).

Jesus calls His disciples to produce results. He desires fruit. But He teaches that the fruit will come only through intimacy.

Intimate leaders are fruitful when they focus on relationship. 

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you…If you do not remain in me you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers…” Jesus begins and ends these verses on fruitfulness with a reminder that fruit comes from remaining or abiding in Him. He calls His disciples to focus on their relationship with Him above all else. Where there is a strong relationship with Him, there will be fruitful results. Where that relationship does not exist only dead wood results.

Some leaders focus on the tasks at hand and focus on producing fruit. They focus on the results instead of the relationship. But serving leaders see their task as strengthening their relationship with Jesus. When they focus on the relationship the fruit will come naturally.

Intimate leaders are fruitful when they acknowledge their inadequacy. 

“No branch can bear fruit by itself…apart from me you can do nothing.” These are tough words for an action-oriented leader used to producing results by their own efforts. But Jesus calls us to first acknowledge that without Him, we cannot produce the kind of fruit He desires. He doesn’t say we’ll produce less without Him—He says we’ll produce nothing without Him! Without intimacy we may work like the disciples trying to catch fish the whole night without results (see John 21:1-6). But as we remain in an intimate relationship with Jesus, fruit is produced from our lives.

Some leaders refuse to acknowledge that they need help. Others are willing to admit they need some help. But serving leaders acknowledge that in themselves they are inadequate to produce anything of lasting value.

Intimate leaders are fruitful when they remain in Jesus.  

“If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit…” Jesus teaches that our fruitfulness as leaders will be in direct proportion to our continued intimacy with Him. It is a relationship that goes both ways, the leader remains in Jesus and Jesus remains in the leader. It is so easy to think that to be fruitful we need to work harder and do more; but our fruitfulness will only increase as we learn to remain in Jesus. This is much more than a one time commitment to follow Him; it is a commitment to remain with Him through all the challenges of our leadership journey.

Some leaders start well, knowing that they have much to learn and areas that need improvement. But with time, they become more self-reliant and less intimate with Jesus. But serving leaders remain in a strong intimate relationship with Him realizing that intimacy produces eternal fruit. Without it, all their efforts fade away.  

For further reflection and discussion:

• As I reflect on my own leadership regarding how much my life yields fruit for Jesus, how would I rate myself on a scale of 1 to 10?      What blocks me from greater fruitfulness?
• What steps can I take to strengthen my relationship with Jesus on a daily basis? How might this strengthen my leadership?
• Do I act in ways that indicate that I am capable of all that is needed in my leadership?  In what ways is Jesus inviting me to acknowledge my inadequacy?  
• In what ways am I tempted to produce fruit (results) without intimacy? What is the result in my leadership?
• After reflecting on these questions, read the entire chapter, John 15. What additional insights do I find in this chapter about how my intimacy with Jesus shapes my leadership?      

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll examine how intimate leaders bring glory to Jesus.

Issue #404, August 6, 2025

We naturally view leaders as independent and able to guide and direct on their own.  But serving leaders are dependent on an intimate relationship with Jesus that transforms them.

In John 15, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the relationship He wants to have with them—one of a deep, life-giving connection. He uses the image of a branch and a vine: He is the vine and the disciples are the branches.

While this concept is relevant for every follower of Jesus, the implications for leaders are even more critical as leaders influence others. The strength of a serving leader flows directly from a life that has been shaped by intimacy with Jesus. That gives a leader the power to influence others. In this series we’ll look at several marks of leaders who are in an intimate relationship with Jesus from John 15.

¹“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ²He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. ³You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you (John 15:1-3, NIV).

The first characteristic of a leader who has an intimate relationship with Jesus is that their lives will be transformed by Him. Transformation produces integrity and authenticity that are essential in leadership. Internal change must happen before inviting others to follow. God uses several tools to produce this transformation.

Intimate leaders are transformed by God’s redirection. 

“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit…” The word Jesus uses here can speak of judgement as in cutting off from the vine. But it also means “lift up” which better fits the context.* Lifting up is what a gardener does to a branch that is on the ground in the dirt and needs to receive more sunlight and air. It is a redirection of the branch that brings more life. In our leadership God gently redirects us when we get bogged down. This may come as an exposure of a blind spot, a nudge to consider a different approach with a team member or a call to refocus priorities. 

Some leaders move ahead with little awareness of their own deficiencies. But serving leaders stay close to Jesus and allow Him to gently redirect their lives, expose their blind spots, and breathe more of His life into their leadership. 

Intimate leaders are transformed by God’s pruning.

“…while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” When there is no fruit God redirects and where there is fruit He prunes to produce more! The process of pruning is painful and may often seem extreme. But the gardener knows that dead leaves, overgrowth and excess shoots need to be cut away so that what remains will be more fruitful. This may come through trials, painful experiences, or challenges that stretch us.

Some leaders resist the pruning process and try to avoid all pain. But serving leaders cooperate with God’s pruning work and seek to learn all they can through the process. The fruit that results make them leaders worth following.

Intimate leaders are transformed by God’s word.

“You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” Jesus indicates that His words have already brought transformation to the lives of the disciples. Leaders that remain in intimacy with Him are shaped by consistent exposure to His word.

 Some leaders are shaped primarily by books they read, conferences they attend and social media that they consume. But serving leaders prioritize time with God’s word that has the power to transform their life and leadership.

For further reflection and discussion:

As I reflect on my own leadership regarding how much my life is transformed by Jesus, how would I rate myself on a scale of 1 to 10?      What blocks me from greater transformation?

How does my transformation by Jesus impact the way I lead? Can the people I lead see my transformation?  

In what ways might God right now be redirecting my life and leadership? Am I close enough to Him to notice? What do I need to change?

In what ways is God pruning my life right now? Have I fully accepted His authority to do this and do I fully embrace His love that prompts the pruning?

How deeply does God’s word impact my life and leadership? Are there other sources that shape my leadership more than His word?  What can I do to more fully allow His word to transform my life?

After reflecting on these questions, read the entire chapter, John 15. What additional insights do I find in this chapter about how my intimacy with Jesus shapes my leadership?      

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll look at how intimate leaders bear fruit for Jesus.

*The Greek word airei can be translated as “cut off,” “to take up,” “to lift up,” “to remove,” or “to carry away.” I prefer the concept of “lifting up” rather than the judgment implied by “cutting off.” Later, in v. 6, Jesus clearly speaks of judgment regarding branches that are detached from the vine, then thrown away and burned. Therefore, judgment does not seem to be His intent in v. 2. His grace precedes judgment.

Issue #403, July 23, 2025

Joshua’s leadership work was nearly done.  The land was divided, and the people were settled. But before he died, he used wisdom to cast a vision for the next generation.   

¹⁴ “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. ¹⁵ But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” …. ²⁵On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he reaffirmed for them decrees and laws. ²⁶And Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak near the holy place of the LORD. ²⁷“See!” he said to all the people. “This stone will be a witness against us. It has heard all the words the LORD has said to us. It will be a witness against you if you are untrue to your God.” ²⁸Then Joshua dismissed the people, each to their own inheritance (Joshua 24:14-15, 25-28 NIV).

In his final leadership action, Joshua casts a vision for the Israelites to renew their commitment to follow God.  He does this with wisdom in three powerful ways.

Joshua used wisdom to cast vision by recalling the past. 

Joshua recalls their history. He spends much of his farewell address reminding them of the ways that God has led them to the place they now are.  He shares the stories of the past to provide vision for the future. He wisely links future vision to past events. 

Some leaders only look to the future and paint a glorious picture of what can be with no connection to the past. But serving leaders link future vision to the stories that brought them here. They find vision from the past and project that forward into an even better future. They remind the people they lead that they are rooted in what has come before. 

Joshua used wisdom to cast vision by setting a personal example.

Joshua called the people to recommit themselves to following God and then made his well-known declaration, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” He wisely leads by example. He will pursue the vision no matter what the choice of the people is. This commitment and personal engagement is a strong motivation to the people and they also agree to serve the Lord.

Some leaders call others to a high level of commitment, but they don’t get personally involved. They ask others to pay a price they are unwilling to pay. But serving leaders cast vision by their own action. They move before calling others to move. 

Joshua used wisdom to cast vision by using visual reminders.

Joshua set up “a large stone” as a visual reminder of the commitment they were making. He wanted them to recall their commitment every time they walked past this stone. He wisely understood that a picture is worth a thousand words.

Some leaders rely only on words, hoping that repetition will make the vision stick. But serving leaders add visual reminders to the vision. They paint word pictures; they share stories and give examples that help the vision to stick in the hearts and minds of those they lead. They stir their hearts before asking for their hands.

For further reflection and discussion:

• When I share vision, how do I root it in the past? Even when significant changes are needed, have I found ways to look at the past to help articulate the way forward?
• In what ways do I model the vision I ask others to work towards? Can I consistently invite people to follow my example? What impact does that have on my leadership?
• How do I help people visualize the vision? Are there physical objects that I could use to remind people of the vision as Joshua did? Do I tell stories and give personal examples that bring the vision to life? What other ways can I help connect people’s emotions to the vision? 
• In addition to these reflections above from Joshua’s life, read all of Joshua 23 and 24. Reflect on how he wisely used his farewell speech and covenant renewal to project a vision for the future. What do I learn from his example that I can apply to my own leadership?       

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

Issue #402, July 9, 2025

Few things need wisdom like trying to divide an inheritance among siblings! Joshua faced this on a national scale as he led the Israelites through the process of dividing up the land into tribal portions.  Joshua employed wisdom in this potentially explosive moment and offers serving leaders practical wisdom for navigating divisive situations.

⁴ Appoint three men from each tribe. I will send them out to make a survey of the land and to write a description of it, according to the inheritance of each. Then they will return to me. ⁵ You are to divide the land into seven parts. Judah is to remain in its territory on the south and the tribes of Joseph in their territory on the north. ⁶ After you have written descriptions of the seven parts of the land, bring them here to me and I will cast lots for you in the presence of the Lord our God (Joshua 18:4-6, NIV).

Joshua employed wisdom by involving everyone.

Joshua instructed the people, “Appoint three men from each tribe.” He involved the people in selecting the leaders who would divide the land into parts. Every tribe had equal representation. Every man carried with him the mandate to get the best portion for their tribe! Joshua wisely created a process in which no one was excluded.

Some leaders face divisive issues and make decisions using their own experience and expertise. But serving leaders recognize that divisive issues require inclusive practices. They wisely pull key people into the decision-making process, ensuring that all voices will be heard.

Joshua employed wisdom by delegating authority.

Joshua gave authority to the men who were chosen, “you are to divide….” Their work was to survey the remaining land and divide it into portions that were equal in value. Undoubtedly, as they traveled through the land they were carefully observing what areas had fertile soil, good pastureland, and fortified cities. Every man was carefully looking at what they wanted but also aware that another tribe might get it, so they chose carefully.  In addition, Joshua selected three people to ensure broader representation and that there would not be a tie vote. By wisely delegating the process, Joshua ensured that no one could accuse him of favoritism.

Some leaders fear that the delegation of authority in a divisive issue will create more problems so they delegate less. But serving leaders wisely find ways to delegate authority that creates better outcomes and group support for the process.

Joshua employed wisdom by retaining decision-making power.

While Joshua involved everyone in choosing the leaders and delegated authority to the leaders in dividing the land, he took charge of the final step in the process. “I will cast lots for you….” Under God’s guidance, he would make the final decisions. He recognized that even with the careful process of dividing the land into 7 portions, if he allowed the leaders to choose, there would be more dispute over who received which portion.

Some leaders abdicate their ultimate responsibility to make final decisions and allow others to selfishly influence the outcomes. But serving leaders recognize that after involving people appropriately, they are responsible for making the decision that best serves the vision and mission of the organization. Then, like Joshua, they employ wisdom from God and decide. 

 Serving leaders employ wisdom to turn potential division into unity. 

For further reflection and discussion:

• Reflect on a leadership decision which you are currently facing that is potentially divisive. With that situation in mind, reflect on the three ways Joshua used wisdom (he involved everyone, he delegated authority, and he retained decision-making power). What can you learn from his example and what will you do to lead with wisdom through this situation?

Reflect on Joshua’s decision to allow the leaders to divide the land into 7 portions. What might have happened if Joshua had divided the land without their involvement? What can you learn from this about delegating authority? 

In addition to these reflections from Joshua’s life, consider the following verses from Proverbs that relate to employing wisdom in divisive issues.  Proverbs 6:16-19; 13:10; 15:1, 18; 16:23-24, 28; 17:14; 18:6, 17; 19:11; 29:22.        

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll look at how Joshua used wisdom in casting vision. 

Issue # 401, June 25, 2025

Joshua led Israel through a series of military campaigns to claim the land God had promised to them. But he didn’t rely on military tactics of his experience—he applied wisdom in his decisions, guided by surrender, obedience and adaptability. Though most serving leaders do not lead armies, they can learn powerful strategy lessons from Joshua’s example.  

 ¹³ Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” ¹⁴ “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” (Joshua 5:13-14, NIV).

¹³ The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets went forward, marching before the ark of the Lord and blowing the trumpets. The armed men went ahead of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the Lord, while the trumpets kept sounding. ¹⁴ So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days (Joshua 6:13-14).

⁹ After an all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua took them by surprise. ¹⁰ The Lord threw them into confusion before Israel, so Joshua and the Israelites defeated them completely at Gibeon (Joshua 10:9-10).

Joshua applied wisdom by surrender.

Before Joshua carried out his first military action he had an encounter with a man blocking his progress. He asked a natural question of the man but was startled when he responded that he was the “commander of the army of the Lord.” Joshua appropriately surrendered! Before he commanded, he surrendered. This was not weakness; it was wisdom.

Many leaders assume that they are in charge and call others to follow. They charge ahead and sometimes ask God to bless their plans. But serving leaders surrender to a higher command. That surrender makes them better commanders.

Joshua applied wisdom by obedient risk taking.

Joshua’s surrender was critical when God gave what seems like foolish and unconventional directions for the battle at Jericho. But Joshua took the risk of moving forward in obedience. He marched around the city for 6 days, then 7 times on the final day, finally giving a united shout. He risked looking foolish losing everything on his first battle!  

Some leaders move forward only when the strategy is logical and clear. But serving leaders are willing to take risks of obedience when they have received instructions from God.

Joshua applied wisdom by embracing change.  

After demonstrating obedience, Joshua still had to learn to embrace change. When Joshua marched around Jericho it took a week. But when he attacked the coalition of kings who were against the Gibeonites, he employed an overnight march and took them by surprise. In many other situations, Joshua embraced change and used different tactics at God’s instruction. He refused to fall into the trap of believing that what worked previously should become the standard practice. He was able and willing to pivot and try new methods.

Some leaders find ways that work and then refuse to consider changes. But serving leaders are willing to consider new ways of accomplishing the mission. Their surrender to God’s instruction is the foundation from which they make decisions. 

For further reflection and discussion:

Have I fully surrendered to the authority of God to direct my life and leadership? What does this look like in my daily leadership practices?

Do I naturally take or avoid risks? How does that impact my leadership? Am I willing to take risks when I clearly hear God’s instruction? What do I do to ensure that I’m able to accurately hear God’s direction?

When is the last time I tried a new approach in my leadership? How open am I to change? How do I determine when change is healthy and when it is a distraction?

In addition to these reflections from Joshua’s life, consider the following examples of his military strategy as well as some from Proverbs: Joshua 6:1-27; 8:1-13; 11:1-9; Proverbs 15:22; 16:3, 9; 24:6   

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll examine how Joshua employed wisdom in times of division.  

Issue #400, June 11, 2025

 After a great victory over the city of Jericho, Joshua sent a few of his troops to the small city of Ai, expecting an easy victory. Instead, his army was routed.  Joshua rightly asked God what went wrong and God responded.  

  ¹⁰ The Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? ¹¹ Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. ¹² That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies… ¹⁴ “ ‘In the morning, present yourselves tribe by tribe. The tribe the Lord chooses shall come forward clan by clan; the clan the Lord chooses shall come forward family by family; and the family the Lord chooses shall come forward man by man. ¹⁵ Whoever is caught with the devoted things shall be destroyed by fire, along with all that belongs to him. He has violated the covenant of the Lord and has done an outrageous thing in Israel!’  (Joshua 7:10-12a, 14-15, NIV).

God revealed to Joshua that the reason for the military defeat was a violation of the covenant He had commanded. God’s instructions gave Joshua the wisdom he needed to uphold community with clarify and grace. His example helps serving leaders wisely uphold the standards of their organization.

Joshua utilized wisdom by identifying the standard.

What went wrong? “They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied…” The standard of obedience was clearly identified and the behaviors that were not consistent with obedience were articulated.  Joshua made a public declaration of what was wrong (see 7:13).

Some leaders don’t clearly articulate their standards yet still hope for the best from people. But serving leaders make the values and standards of the organization clear to everyone. They explain what behavior is acceptable and what is not. They are quick to say, “This is the way we do things here” and “This is not the way we do things here.” Wise leadership begins by clarifying and communicating standards.  

Joshua utilized wisdom by allowing time for change.

The standards were broken and there would be consequences. But Joshua used wisdom in providing a bit of time before the punishment would be applied. In this situation he did not know the person involved. He provided a public announcement that evening and told people to prepare themselves for the following day. The next day there was a public process of finding out who did wrong. Achan, the guilty party, had plenty of time to come forward and admit his mistake and ask for a way to be restored but he did not respond until it was too late.

Some leaders recognize a values violation and immediately respond by implementing consequences such as firing or disciplinary action. But serving leaders care about the people involved and prefer that they change their behavior to align with the standards of the organization. So, they allow some time for the person to change. Ultimately, if there is no change, they continue to serve the organization by upholding the standard which may mean releasing that person. Wisdom provides people time to change and align with the standards of the organization.

Joshua utilized wisdom with consistent enforcement.

“Whoever is caught with the devoted things shall be destroyed by fire….” Joshua wisely enforced the cost of violation of the standards, in this case using capital punishment! While today’s consequences look different, leaders still face hard decisions, sometimes needing to ‘fire’ those who are not willing to change.  

Some leaders overlook violations of standards and hope that over time things will improve. But serving leaders take action to ensure that standards are consistently enforced. They model the standards and require that everyone in the organization also align with these values. Wisdom requires that standards are uniformly enforced.  

For further reflection and discussion:

Read the entire account of Joshua and the experience at Ai (Joshua 7:1-8:28). What additional insights about upholding standards do you gain from this story?

Are the standards in my organization clearly identified? Does everyone understand what behaviors are expected and what will not be tolerated? Do I regularly remind people of our standards? Am I currently aware of someone who is not upholding our standards? If so, when will I address this?  

When standards are not upheld in my organization do I allow enough time for people to change? Do I allow too much time? What changes should I make to apply wisdom in the timing of addressing broken standards?

How consistently do I uphold my organization’s standards in my own life? Are there areas in which I need to make a change before expecting others to follow? Are there times I am tempted to accept a violation from one person that I would not accept from another? What can I do to be more consistent in enforcing my organizational standards?

In addition to these reflections from Joshua’s life, consider the following verses from Proverbs, the book of wisdom, that relate to wisely upholding standards: Proverbs 3:11-12; 9:8-9; 10:9, 17; 11:3; 12:1, 22; 13:8; 15:5, 12, 31-32; 19:20; 22:6; 25:28; 27:5-6; 28:5; 29:1.     

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll look at how Joshua applied wisdom in strategic decisions.

Issue #399, May 28, 2025

Joshua received a spirit of wisdom from Moses—but that didn’t mean his path would be free of failure. In fact, one of his early leadership mistakes with the Gibeonites became a powerful lesson in gaining wisdom through failure.  This happened in his interaction with the Gibeonites, a nearby group of people who pretended to be from a distant land and sought peace with the Israelites. Joshua, and the leaders, accepted the offer before realizing it was a deception.

¹⁴The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. ¹⁵Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live…  ²⁰This is what we will do to them: We will let them live, so that God’s wrath will not fall on us for breaking the oath we swore to them.” ²¹They continued, “Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers in the service of the whole assembly.” So the leaders’ promise to them was kept (Joshua 9:14–15, 20-21, NIV).

This treaty was a significant failure in Joshua’s leadership. But he gained wisdom through the experience as he responded.

Joshua gained wisdom by accepting his mistake.

Joshua was fully prepared for war, but the ruse was a surprise. He failed to stop and ask God for wisdom. His decision was rational but it was not wise. But when Joshua realized what happened he accepted his mistake. He didn’t blame others or point fingers at the leaders that were with him; he took full responsibility for the mistake. He gained wisdom as he reflected on what happened and learned from his failure.

Some leaders look for others to blame when they make a mistake and try to cover up the impact of their failure. But serving leaders accept responsibility for failures and thoughtfully gain wisdom. They understand that failure is a great teacher…when they reflect, learn and grow as a result.

Joshua gained wisdom by a thoughtful response.

When the failure was evident, the Israelite army set out for the Gibeonite territory. Joshua had three days of marching to ponder his options. He had more than enough military power to demolish the Gibeonites and destroy their towns as they had done to Jericho and Ai. Humanly, he was likely angry at himself and at the Gibeonites for what had happened and a brutal response would have pacified all his people who were now grumbling about his decision. But Joshua’s thoughtful response helped him avoid an emotional reaction.    

Some leaders react after a failure and seek to punish others in revenge. But serving leaders take time to reflect so that instead of reacting, they can act with wisdom.

Joshua gained wisdom by honoring his commitment.

Joshua had made a commitment to the Gibeonites and even though they had deceived him, he gained wisdom by choosing to honor his commitment to them. No one would have rebuked him if he would have destroyed them entirely. But Joshua chose to keep his integrity even at a great cost. He found a way to honor his commitment while making the Gibeonites woodcutters and water carriers for the Israelites.

Some leaders reverse course when they realize they made an unwise promise and justify their actions to save face and look powerful. But serving leaders recognize that one mistake does not justify another. They gain wisdom by finding ways to honor their commitment as well as accomplish their mission.   

Joshua’s failure didn’t disqualify him—it refined him. And failure can do the same for any leader willing to learn.  

For further reflection and discussion:

• Read the full account of this story in Joshua 9:1-27. What additional insights can I observe about how Joshua gained wisdom through this failure?
• How often do I pause to reflect and pray before making what seems to be an obvious decision? What impact does this have on my leadership?
• What significant leadership failure have I experienced and what did I learn from it? Are there ways I gained wisdom through that experience? What would I do differently if I had a chance to do it again?
• Am I always willing to honor my commitments, even when I later realize I should not have made the commitment? How does this impact my leadership?
• In addition to these reflections from Joshua’s life, consider the following verses that relate to gaining wisdom through failure and God’s discipline:   Prov. 3:11-12; 12:1; 15:31-32; 19:20; 26:11-12; Ps. 51:1-6; and James 1:2-5.        

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll examine how Joshua utilized wisdom to uphold standards.