Leading By Influence Rather Than Power
Leading by influence rather than power is demonstrated in 2 Chronicles 23-24. The story reads like a fairy tale, but without the typical ending. Here’s what we learn from it.
Leading by influence rather than power. Honoring God rather than yourself.
And Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and all the people and the king that they should be the Lord’s people. (ESV, 2 Chronicles 23:16)
When Ahaziah king of Judah died, his mother Athaliah grabbed power by killing the other family heirs to the throne. But she missed one. King Ahaziah’s infant son, Joash was saved by his aunt Jehoshabeath, wife to Jehoiada the priest. They hid Joash for the next six years of Athaliah’s reign that was characterized by idol worship.
Power versus Influence
Power demands compliance, but influence uses persuasion. Obedient versus willing followers. And Jehoaiada wanted the people of Judah to willingly follow the Lord. So he devised a plan to turn the peoples’ hearts back to God. First, he persuaded the military to support Joash in a coup. Then quietly assembled the military, important leaders, and Levite priests in Jerusalem. And at an arranged moment they proclaimed Joash king. Queen Athaliah was seized and put to death. Followed by a public ceremony led by Jehoaiada who recommitted the people to God.
Leading by influence rather than power so others follow God.
And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest. (ESV, 2 Chronicles 24:2)
However, influence requires two pre-requisites to work: Relationship and respect. It’s obvious Jehoaiada and Joash had a relationship like father and son. And Jehoaiada’s devotion to God and personal integrity earned him respect. Therefore, Joash willingly followed Jehoaiada’s instruction.
Jehoaiada’s influence made a positive, spiritual impact on Joash. And Joash executed his authority over the kingdom so that the people honored God. He destroyed all the idols, restored God’s temple, and established the worship of God. The result was a strong, prosperous kingdom that was feared and respected by the surrounding kingdoms during Jehoaiada’s lifetime.
Leading by influence rather than power. So those you influence own it.
After the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them. And they abandoned the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers and served the Asherim and the idols. (ESV, 2 Chronicles 24:17)
Influence at its best leads to human flourishing. To create healthy families. Thriving organizations. And God honoring faith communities. Under the rule of Queen Athaliah, the people of Judah suffered. But they prospered under Jehoida’s influence and the rule of king Joash.
Unfortunately, after Jehoiada died, other voices influenced Joash and led him back to idols. The kingdom of Judah slid into moral decline, Joash descended into an evil king, and was ultimately killed and buried in disgrace.
The ending underscores a critical truth in the Christian faith. You can’t claim the faith of someone else like your parents or a friend. You must follow God and embrace faith in Jesus Christ for yourself. Through his influence Jehoiada the priest led Joash to the threshold of faith. The final step was his, but he didn’t take it. He never owned his faith. So whose faith do you own?
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
