As the people had a part to perform, so Joshua, as leader, had a responsibility to carry out. It was the solemn sense of this responsibility that made him hesitate and shrink from the chief place of leadership. Many are charmed by what they consider the glory of leadership, but fail to sense its solemn responsibilities and personal sacrifice. With every privilege there is always an equal responsibility. A leader must be strong even when others weaken. He must have courage when others are discouraged, and be able to inspire others with courage. He must gather warmth from the coldness of others. A leader for God must live close to the Lord, that he may be able to encourage those associated with him. Sensing his fellowship with God, they would be the more ready to cooperate with him, and there would thus exist in the church the unity for which Jesus prayed (John 17). With such unity the conquest of Canaan could not fail. Leaders must be men who have an “understanding of the times” and “know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chron. 12:32), who merit the confidence of those who follow, and who inspire their followers with joy in working together as a united force. Followers, for their part, must be people who know how to cooperate cheerfully with their leader and with one another.