Figuratively speaking, the size of one’s heart will determine the size of one’s attitude. The way we see a thing is often regulated by our heart and attitude. This is seen in the way the Ephraimites complained about the portion of land that was allotted to them. It was patently obvious that they wanted to be given land without having to work for it. There is no such thing in life. The amount one will possess often commensurate with the amount of effort one is willing to put into any endeavor.
In Joshua 17:14 we see them coming to Joshua, haggling over the portion of land they were given. They said to him “Why have you given me only one lot and one portion for an inheritance since I am a numerous people whom the Lord has thus far blessed?” The reason that was given showed how presumptuous they were. Just because of the size of the tribe they expected to be given their portion on a platter. In verses 15-16, Joshua wisely redirected their focus. He pointed them to the many unconquered lands within their reach. If they wanted more land, they could always put in the effort to acquire them. This is a principle we have to be mindful. To whom much is given, much is required. Like a muscle, the more we exercise the firmer it would become. Atrophy always sets in when one fails to exercise the muscles of one’s body.
What Joshua did also give us a leadership principle. An effective leader should decline to do for their followers what they could do for themselves. It is better for one to learn that effort is required if he or she is to gain profitably. What is attained with much effort is often better appreciated and valued than what is obtained without any effort. What Joshua did was to encourage the people of Ephraim to exercise their strength and courage. It also helped to build diligence and self-respect. A leader must do the right thing to encourage a follower’s enterprise and not condone his or her laziness and indolence.
One more lesson before we close this chapter. It is needful that we stop complaining without exhausting our resources. Like the Ephraimites, when we clear the cluttered forest that seems to clog up our life, we will discover how much of talent we have within us that have been left unexplored. Let us learn to stop murmuring and complaining about how little we have in life and start exploiting what we already have. Every one of us is given some talents. Let us not be found whining and not working. Whatever we have responsibly exercised, more will be added to us. Whatever we fail to be accountable, they will soon be taken away.
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