"Loving Leadership"
Watch
Listen
Read
In 445 BC, almost 100 years after God's people returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity, the walls of their capital city were in ruins. Defenseless and heartbroken, they began the daunting task of rebuilding. But a man named Nehemiah had a plan — starting with being a loving leader.
As you bravely begin your journey into another new year, become a loving leader like Nehemiah!
He Cared
"And the king said to me, "Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart." Then I was very much afraid. I said to the king, "Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?"" (Neh. 2:2-3).
Nehemiah was filled with grief when learning about the situation back home. But some today care very little about the condition of God's people. Where are they, where have they been, and where are they going? A congregation won't grow until the members care about growth. How will you respond if you find the world's greatest institution, the church, not growing?
He Prayed
"And I said, "O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants ..."" (Neh. 1:5-6).
Many times during the planning and construction, the leaders were engaged in prayer (Neh. 1:4, 6; 2:4; 4:9). And we must be in constant communication with the Creator as well. Will you call on God for wisdom, guidance, strength, and to establish your work today (Prov. 16:3)?
He Had Faith & Courage
"... "Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple. Let us close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you ... by night." But I said, "Should such a man as I run away? And what man such as I could go into the temple and live? I will not go in."" (Neh. 6:10-11).
When told to run and hide, Nehemiah stood courageously. Often, it's fear that stops productivity, and Satan knows it! But we need to put our trust in God completely, remembering that there's no challenge too high when he is on our side. Will you run away from the work, or face it head-on?
Let the Lord lead you to care, calling on him in prayer, and courageously stand against fear as you begin the new year!
(This series adapted from Nehemiah's Plan for Church Growth by Ken Leach from the Monte Vista church of Christ)
