The eastern tribes couldn’t truly rest until all their brothers had rest. This principle reveals a profound truth about Christian community: we’re only as strong as our weakest member, and we’re only as blessed as we allow others to be.
This challenges our individualistic approach to faith. Too often we focus on our personal relationship with God while neglecting our responsibility to help our brothers and sisters grow in their faith. We celebrate our own spiritual victories while remaining indifferent to others’ spiritual struggles.
Joshua’s wisdom in allowing families to stay in safety while requiring warriors to cross over shows the balance between compassion and firmness that characterizes godly leadership. Not everyone had the same role, but everyone had a responsibility to the whole community.
In our churches and small groups, this means we should be actively invested in each other’s spiritual growth. When someone is struggling with sin, battling doubt, or facing difficult circumstances, their struggle affects the whole body. Their victory strengthens everyone.
This principle extends beyond the church to our families, workplaces, and communities. God has placed us in various relationships not just for our own benefit but so we can contribute to others’ flourishing. When we live only for ourselves, we miss the joy and effectiveness that comes from mutual support and shared mission.