Church history is filled with examples of the ″second-generation syndrome″, and sadly so are many churches today. The parents' fervour for Christ becomes the children's formalism and the grandchildren's apathy.

Too often, the second-generation experience is a second-hand experience.

But before we examine the failure of Israel's second generation, let us reflect briefly on the impact of Joshua and his generation. They were the first generation, the standard by which we can judge the condition of the second generation.

Joshua was a great soldier, brilliant organiser, charismatic leader, and gifted administrator. But merely listing these characteristics is superficial, because none of them reveal the heart of the man. Two characteristics stand out and account for the way in which God worked through him.

The first was Joshua's responsiveness to the Word of God. As he faced the awesome task of succeeding Moses, God came to him with a promise and a challenge: ″Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you . . . Then you will be prosperous and successful″ (Joshua 1:7-8). God promised Joshua prosperity and wisdom through obeying, reading, and proclaiming His Word. Throughout his life, Joshua acted on that promise, and God honoured his obedience.

Joshua's second outstanding characteristic was his active faith. Trusting God's promise that ″I will never leave you nor forsake you″ (Joshua 1:5), he guided two million people toward a river in flood, and God cut off the waters so the people could cross the Jordan on dry ground (3:14-17).

In obedience to God's orders, Joshua marched the nation around Jericho, and the walls of the city crumbled (Joshua 6:1-20). By faith, he commanded the sun to stand still over Gibeon and the moon over the valley of Aijalon, and they did (10:12-13). Believing God's promise of victory, he attacked an overwhelming military alliance at Merom and led his people in defeating their enemies (11:1-14).

Joshua was not a perfect man. But God did great deeds for His people through him, not because of Joshua's gifts and abilities, but because he trusted God and ordered his life by the Word of God. Joshua kept Israel in the place of God's blessing (v. 7). One man, committed unreservedly to God and His Word, can make an enormous difference for good in the lives of God's people. One woman, living her life for Jesus Christ, can bring blessings to many. If you trust God and build your life on His Word, you can have a godly influence on your family, student group, or local church.