Are you leading change through personal change? (106-5)

If a leader is to make changes in their work environment, the change will start within them and then spread to their environment. Read 2 Kings 22:10-23:25.

John Maxwell discusses how Josiah created public reform in Judah by first starting with personal renewal.

Throughout his 31 years of godly leadership, King Josiah wholeheartedly followed the Lord and devoted himself to leading the people well. His own spiritual passion soon began to influence Judah and eventually brought about public reform.

Even today Josiah remains a vivid example of a key biblical principle: Outward reform begins with inward renewal. The leader must experience personal change before he or she can implement public change. Leaders make impact the same way an atomic bomb does: They implode before they explode.

How did the young king “implode” before he “exploded”? After ten years on the throne, while he was still a teenager, Josiah sent several men to the high priest to reenergize the process of repairing the temple. While cleaning up the rubble, the high priest found the “Book of the Law” (2 Kings 22:8). Shaphan the scribe read it then reported its contents to the young king. And how did Josiah respond? He imploded: “When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law… he tore his clothes” (22:11). His tender heart and humility prompted him to embark on a national program of spiritual reform. The cycle worked this way for King Josiah: Personal renewal → Personal change occurs → Public change implemented → Public reform occurs.

Josiah is a perfect example of the truth that outward reform begins with inward renewal.

Psalm 51:12-13 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.