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.
AndJoash 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.
Why God rejects virtue signaling. Virtue signaling appears in Acts 5:1-10 as the early Christian church was formed. But God immediately rejected it. Here’s why.
Why God rejects virtue signaling. Because it masks the reality of sin
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (ESV, 1 John 1:8)
The book of Acts records the formation of the Christian church. The growth especially accelerated after the day of Pentecost, when all the followers were gathered together and filled by the Holy Spirit. Along with boldly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, wealthy members shared generously from their resources with less fortunate members.
One wealthy couple, Ananias and Sapphira, sold a piece of real estate and took money from the sale to the Apostle Peter. Although it was a portion of the total sale, they pretended it was the full amount in order to appear completely self-sacrificing. They were more concerned with their moral status as super religious people than the actual needs of others. In other words, they were virtue signaling.
Why is this a problem?
Virtue signaling points to yourself. It says, “See? I’m not so bad. Look at me.” But true humility seeks to glorify God and not yourself. Furthermore, virtue signaling promotes the idea that if we do enough good works, we can earn our way to heaven. And it masks the real problem, which is sin. It is sin that separates us from God. And salvation through Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. Focusing on your virtue diverts attention from your sin. And sin is the critical moral reality that every person must address.
Why God rejects virtue signaling. It’s the motivation that matters
And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (ESV, Matthew 6:5-6)
Peter clarified why God rejected the gift of Ananias and Sapphira. It was not the gift itself but the motivation behind it. They didn’t have to sell their property in the first place. And after selling it, they were free to donate whatever amount they wanted.
What God rejected was the deceptive show. The pretend generosity. The hypocritical photo op of caring for others in order to magnify their personal piety. To look holy and righteous when in reality, their hearts were full of pride and self-righteousness.
But wait, you say.
Doesn’t God want us to pursue righteousness? Isn’t that what Ananias and Sapphira were doing? And the answer is, yes and no.
They were doing a good thing, but for their own glory. Christ-followers are called to pursue righteousness in order to please and glorify God. Not to earn divine brownie points There is nothing we can give God that He needs.
What He desires is our fully devoted hearts.
Why God rejects virtue signaling. Holiness is not perfection, but a life set apart.
Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles.and the people held them in high esteem. (ESV, Acts 5:12)
But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (ESV, 1 Peter 1:15-16)
The Greek word for “holy” is hagiŏs, which means to be consecrated or set apart. It doesn’t mean Christ-followers are morally superior to anyone because we are still guilty of sin. The difference is that we acknowledge our sin, confess it, and seek God’s forgiveness.
However, a holy life does strive to demonstrate conduct in accordance to God’s word. To imitate the life of Jesus Christ. And avoid behavior that scripture forbids. It’s not a matter of “have to” but “want to.”
Therefore, Christian joy is a genuine expression of a recipient of grace. A life set free from the bonds of sin. One that celebrates, not our own goodness, but the goodness of God.
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.
The power of God’s precepts is found in Psalms 119:129-136. These teachings guide the moral behavior of God’s people based on the truth of His word. Here are three ways they empower believers.
The Power of God’s precepts. They guide us on a lighted path.
The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. (ESV, Psalm 119:30)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (ESV, Psalm 119:105)
Our culture today celebrates individual, moral freedom. Behavior once considered wrong is now celebrated. And the laws that restrained it repealed. Supporters promised more individual autonomy. Higher enlightenment. Increased personal rights. And ultimately, greater individual happiness. But is this the case?
Because the opposite appears to be true. There’s greater moral confusion than ever before. Increased loneliness. Unhappiness. Darkness. And anger. So much anger everywhere you look.
In contrast, God’s word is a light. It illuminates the path of those who follow it. Increases your understanding of moral right and wrong. And guides your steps of faith in a world of increasing darkness. On the way, you discover that God’s precepts guide you towards a life of righteousness that honors God.
The Power of God’s precepts. They guard us from oppression
Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. (ESV, Psalm 119:133)
Critics often claim that God’s law is burdensome with its legalistic following of rules. But the writer here claims the opposite. God’s precepts act as guard rails to protect him from the lure and addictive power of immoral behavior.
The Hebrew word for “Iniquity” is a-wen and means evil behavior. The Hebrew word for “dominion” is shalat and means to have power or to rule over. And this is the reality when human passions and lust are unleashed with no inhibitions or restrictions. The behavior often becomes addictive. And the immoral freedoms you celebrate and indulge in with reckless abandon become your master.
Meanwhile, God’s precepts take you on a journey of purpose, meaning, and joy. They guide you in a life that’s meant for you. And grow you into the person He intends you to be.
The Power of God’s precepts. God’s word sets you free
Redeem me from man’s oppression, that I may keep your precepts. (ESV, Psalm 119:134)
If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (ESV, John 8:31-32)
The Hebrew word for “oppression” is osheq and means deceitfully gotten or unjust gain. In other words, God’s precepts guide you in walking with personal integrity. Another challenge when navigating a world full of scams and unscrupulous behavior.
Despite that, we’re called to demonstrate honest and ethical behavior. Even when it’s a disadvantage next to unethical competition. Because God’s word is truth that sets you free. Freedom of conscience. And the stress in covering one lie with another. Furthermore, the honest reputation you earn over time becomes a rich and satisfying reward.
Studying and following God’s precepts consistently is like a slow drip. A steady jog. Because as you absorb God’s truth and practice it, subtle, but profound changes occur in your life. In how you think, act, and react. Sure, life still throws curveballs that you swing at and miss. But you’ll feel more settled. And with a confidence that God’s precepts are an important key to a meaningful life.
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.
When you tell God you quit. After the death of Jesus, Peter quit. He abandoned three years of ministry with the Son of God and returned to fishing. But Jesus wasn’t finished with him yet. Here’s what we learn from the encounter.
When you tell God you quit. He meets you where you are.
After the death and resurrection of Jesus, everything went crazy. Jesus, the one that held everything together was gone and no one knew what to do. Fear gripped them. Would the leaders who crucified Jesus come after them too? So, all the disciples of Jesus scattered.
In John 21:3-19, Peter quits and returns to the familiar. Fishing. Because…well, isn’t that what we do when we lose our bearings? Our safety feels threatened? Go back to what makes us feel safe and secure like comfort food?
Fishing was an honest trade and a sensible fallback plan. Except when you follow Jesus, what we consider sensible is not always how he leads. But rather, pushing into the uncomfortable and unfamiliar. Because he wants us to trust him and exercise faith.
And even when we mess it up, he comes after us to restore our relationship with him.
That’s what he did with Peter.
When you tell God you quit. He challenges your thinking
There’s something familiar about the scene in John 21:3-19. Because it’s a repeat of Jesus’ first encounter with Peter recorded in Luke 5:1-11. Peter was cleaning his fishing nets nearby as Jesus preached to a crowd on the beach. And Jesus asked Peter if he could use his boat as a preaching platform. They pushed the boat into the water and Jesus sat and taught the beach crowd. And when Jesus finished, he told Peter to put out to deep water and let down his nets.
A bit audacious for an itinerant preacher to tell an experienced fisherman how to fish. I can imagine Peter smiling at Jesus a bit condescendingly. “Dude, you’re a preacher and I’m an experienced fisherman. I won’t tell you how to preach. Don’t tell me how to fish.”
But he didn’t. Why not? Perhaps there was something about Jesus that compelled Peter to do what he said. A sense that Jesus was beyond ordinary. And his thoughts were higher than Peter’s thoughts. So Peter complied and the huge catch of fish nearly broke the nets.
And you wonder. How could an itinerant preacher know better than a seasoned fisherman where the fish were and how to find them?
He didn’t have to. Jesus simply commanded the fish where to swim. It made Peter a believer and he immediately left everything and followed Jesus.
When you tell God you quit. He revisits your calling and demands your commitment.
There were times as a pastor in church ministry when I wanted to quit. Because I was discouraged by failure. Treated unfairly. And questioned my calling. Ever been there?
But I remember the wise counsel of a mentoring pastor: Whenever you doubt your call and think of quitting, go back to the moment you first sensed God’s call. And that’s exactly what Jesus does with Peter. He revisits the scene of Peter’s original call to ministry. And once again, the nets almost tore apart with a huge catch of fish.
But Jesus goes further by demanding Peter’s commitment. “Peter, do you love me? Then feed my sheep.” And after repeating the question and demand for commitment two more times, the point was clear.
Jesus doesn’t suggest we try him out like sampling ice cream flavors before a purchase. He doesn’t offer unlimited “you are blessed” passes for a pain free Christian experience. In fact, he tells Peter that his commitment will include a cost. And the same may be true for us.
What Jesus wants to know is this: Are you all in?
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.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. It’s a popular Bible story although the whale gets too much attention. And is it really a whale? Because scripture just calls it a great fish. But here are some lessons from the story.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. The real story is about God’s love, grace, and forgiveness
The great fish plays a support role in the book of Jonah. Essentially, a motivational tool God uses for Jonah’s compliance. Yet, somehow, it grabs all the attention. At least, the paper whale my Sunday School teacher used when telling the story took up most of the flannel board.
However, the real story is about God’s love, grace and forgiveness. It reminds us of His desire that we all enter His eternal kingdom. And the measures He takes to show us the way.
But wait. Last week’s blog looked at Numbers 31. And in that story, God used Israel to execute vengeance against the Midianites. But now, He gives the Ninevites a chance to repent? How do you explain that?
I can’t. Although my best guess is God knew the Ninevites would repent when given the opportunity but the Midianites would not.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. Running from God is a bad idea.
But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. (ESV, Jonah 1:3)
Jonah was a prophet. An Old Testament preacher. So when God acknowledged the evil in Nineveh, He told Jonah to go and preach repentance to them. Should have been a no brainer. First bullet point on his prophet’s job description. But Jonah took off running instead. And you’re thinking…most preachers can’t wait to get behind a pulpit. What’s up with Jonah?
However, running from God is a bad idea. Adam and Eve tried it in the Garden of Eden when they realized they were naked and hid. When God called Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt, Moses doubted his leadership ability and ran to the wilderness. And Jonah caught a ship sailing to Tarshish. But none of these escape plans worked.
God fashioned clothes for Adam and Eve. He caught up to to Moses in the wilderness and appeared to him in a burning bush. And He gave Jonah a three day ride inside a living, oceanic submersible along with a complimentary stomach wash.
Why did Jonah run? He confesses it later. He didn’t want to preach to the Ninevites because he considered them awful people who should be destroyed rather than saved. But he admitted God was merciful, gracious, and abounding in steadfast love. Therefore, if the Ninevites repented of their sin, God would forgive them.
And that’s what happened. Jonah preached, the people of Nineveh repented, and God forgave them. A happy ending for the people of Nineveh and the Kingdom of God, but not for Jonah. He went off and pouted. But that’s a different lesson for another day.
For today, the lesson is to think twice about running if God calls you to something you don’t want to do. Obedience and trusting God for the results is a better choice.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. Repentance leads to restoration.
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (ESV, Romans 10:13)
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. (ESV, Luke 15:20)
God desires for all of us to be saved. Jesus Christ was His provision and God eagerly embraces us when we turn to Him. But that is a choice we all must individually make. Repent and become a child of God. Reject Him and be lost forever.
It is a recurring theme in both the Old and New Testament. When sinners repent, God forgives and restores. And the story of Jonah clearly demonstrates it. Along with God’s love and grace.
But there’s another lesson too. Followers of Jesus Christ are called as co-laborers in kingdom work. To also proclaim repentance. Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And serve where opportunities present themselves. It’s not a have to, but a get to. Where God gets the glory and we get the blessing.
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.
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The whale image used for this blog is a cartoon illustration out of my book Family Stew. Each chapter begins with a professionally drawn, cartoon illustration. It’s a collection of stories from the days of our young family along with summary thoughts from a Christian perspective.
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