One lesson that Christian leaders seem to learn and forget, learn and forget is that God’s rewards are based on faithfulness to Him rather than abilities or achievements. Read 2 Chronicles 7:11-22.

The Bible indicates God established and endorses the principle of giving rewards for good work unless it replaces God as our passion for life. In today’s Scripture God promises rewards to the nation for obedience but punishment for disobedience. The Lord stresses that His commitment is not to the newly-built temple, but to His people and their relationship to Him.

We serve a God that is committed to excellence and perfection in everything He does. Likewise, godly leaders should work with all their heart and give their best effort all of the time. Read 2 Chronicles 2-6.

Solomon saw to it that the design and construction of the temple was done with care and excellence. He knew that his mission was to glorify God in the construction of this building, and he shared his father David’s vision and passion for the task.

What a leader accomplishes is determined by their priorities. This is true of what you accomplish today because you will put your efforts to the items you determine are more important and it is true of life accomplishments because you will focus your energy on those life goals you determine are important. Read 2 Chronicles 1:1-12.

Solomon has become king of Israel, replacing his father David. The nation’s expectations were high. God’s blessings had been given to David. David had been a leader of the stature of Abraham and Moses, and the country and the people had benefited greatly from David’s leadership. Solomon’s life priorities would determine his first acts as king.

As we enter the study of some specific leadership principles tucked away in 2 Chronicles, it is helpful to get an overview of the book. This being the fourth book (1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles) detailing the actions of many of the same individuals, it is helpful for understanding the leadership lessons to know the major theme God is seeking to communicate in the book. John Maxwell in The Maxwell Leadership Bible gives summary notes at the beginning of the book that are very helpful.

Summary

If 2 Chronicles develops one major theme or offers one major lesson, it is this: Leaders need to finish well.

Accountability is always in a leaders own best interest regardless of the degree of inconvenience it may entail. Read 2 Kings 12:1-3 and 2 Chronicles 24:15-25.

As a one-year-old, Joash, a prince in Judah was rescued during an assassination attempt. He was smuggled into the temple and raised and taught by the priest Jehoiada for six years and then brought to the throne as Judah’s king through a daring plan devised and carried out by Jehoiada. Joash never forgot the kindness of the priest and allowed Jehoiada to hold him accountable as long as Jehoiada lived. According to 2 Kings 12:2, “Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him.”