Grow in Humility

Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the Lord.—2 Kings 22:19

Leaders are a work in progress. As we navigate the struggles and conflicts of leadership, we continually learn and grow—that is, if we are willing to grow! Openness to growth is evidence of humility.

Scripture offers many chronicles of leadership: kings, soldiers, prophets, and priests. Unfortunately, many of them neither started nor ended with humility. Far too many accounts tell of their doing “evil in the eyes of the Lord” (2 Kings 17:2). Thankfully, some “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” (2 Kings 22:2).

One such king was Josiah, a leader who understood humility and wanted to grow. At a time when Israel was very troubled, Josiah worked to bring the people back to God’s law. God responded, “Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse and laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the Lord” (2 Kings 22:19).

Leadership Challenge: Read 2 Kings 22 and 23

Look carefully at King Josiah’s life and leadership. As a leader, are you in a place of humility? Are you willing to grow? Spend time in prayer and repentance. Ask God to give you and your team a fresh start, focused on humility. Note next steps.