Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the Lord said to him, You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess.

Joshua 13:1, ESV

Over the past few months, we have learned many great leadership tips from Joshua’s life. We have learned how courageous leaders focus on God’s word and His plan for organizations. As the Lord prepared us to lead, we looked at changing our perspective, confronting sin, and cleansing our hearts to be ready to witness the mighty deeds the Lord would perform. No matter how much we dislike conflict, our workplace is fraught with opposition and disputes. Joshua provided a battle strategy that included worship, contentment, and humility.  We also discovered how reflecting on our successes and creating memorial stones are essential for guiding teams.

The final snapshot of Joshua’s life reminds us that the Lord’s work is incomplete.  Even though we know our work must continue beyond our time as leaders, we bypass the importance of mentorship. Joshua reminds us that preparing the next generation of leaders is a two-part phase. First, we recognize that the work of the Lord continues when we identify the next generation of leaders. The second part is to train the emerging leaders by providing wise words.

Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:14-15, ESV).

Joshua was ready to retire and pass the leadership responsibilities to the next generation. He reminds them to put away failures or false gods their fathers had followed and to stay faithful to the Lord’s promises and plans. There is always unfinished business in ministry and in nursing. God’s work on earth is incomplete and He continues to use people to carry out his plans. So, whether you are changing leadership positions or retiring, actively prepare the next generation of nurses by imparting wisdom and faithfulness to God.