Lead By Example - Jonah

The king and his nobles sent this decree throughout the city: “No one, not even the animals from your herds and flocks, may eat or drink anything at all. People and animals alike must wear garments of mourning, and everyone must pray earnestly to God. They must turn from their evil ways and stop all their violence.”

Jonah 3:7-8

Can you name one of the biggest enemies of godly leadership, whether at home, on the job, or in ministry? It’s this warped attitude: “Do as I say, not as I do!”

On the other hand, a willingness to lead by example has always been one of a leader’s greatest tools. For example, if you want your children to speak kindly to one another, then speak kindly to them, to your wife, and to others. If you want your coworkers or employees to become more conscientious about their work, then show up on time every day and work to the best of your ability until you go home.

The unnamed king of Nineveh is a model of leading by example.

Like the rest of his people, the king had heard prophecies of doom from the Hebrew prophet Jonah, who didn’t call the Ninevites to repentance but warned them of God’s coming judgment and wrath.

What does a smart man do when he knows that God stands ready to annihilate his kingdom? The king could have laughed off the warning, given up, resigned himself to his fate, or left the city to its ruin, but this king chose none of the above. He instructed his people to observe a time of fasting, prayer, and repentance, in hoping that God would change his mind and spare the city (see Jonah 3:6-9).

The king did more than talk a good game of repentance and prayer. He set an example for all the people by stripping off his royal robes, dressing in burlap, and sitting on a heap of ashes, which were Old Testament signs of humble, deep repentance. The king’s humility made a difference! Before long, the whole city followed his example, and God spared the repentant citizens of Nineveh.

God wants you to lead through your example even more than through your words. When you do as you say in every area of life, you make it far easier for everyone around you, including your family, to follow your lead.