Josiah: Part 2

By Amitabh Singh

“Leadership is influence. Just because someone has a title, doesn’t mean that person is a leader.” - John Maxwell, American author, speaker, and teacher.

In 2 Kings 22-23 and in 2 Chronicles 34-35, we are introduced to Josiah who sat on the throne at the age of 8 and reformed his nation in the 18th year of his reign. It was his personal religious awakening which was the start of this reformation. Influence is best achieved when it is rooted in personal faith conviction.

Josiah “walked in the way of his father David, turning aside neither to the right or the left.” 

2 Kings 23:25 puts it this way:

“Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since.”

We tend to compartmentalize our lives. We have a work life, religious life, and family life. Real influence should extent to all areas of life. Influence should ultimately result in renewed hearts.

When we really influence the world, we’ll see it demonstrated with people who never worshipped God now participating in honouring the Lord.

Leadership cannot be appointed or assigned. It comes from influence and it must be earned.

Consider the following critical questions:

1. What is influence?

2. Why does it matter?

3. How do we build skills that can helps us to lead and influence?

4. What do you do if your influence is not working?

5. Who is the most influential person in your life and how can you be more like this person?