We began this month with a reflection on Nehemiah’s character. We continue, this time focusing on four elements of his character that led to his successfully carrying out the mission that God assigned him:
- Nehemiah’s passionate and selfless caring nature
- Nehemiah’s life of prayer
- Nehemiah the strategic team leader
- Nehemiah’s character of focusing without yielding to distractions
Nehemiah had a heart that passionately and selflessly cared for God’s people. Among the exiles that ended up in the hands of the Babylonian or later the Persian empire, Nehemiah found himself holding a privileged position – the King’s cupbearer. Someone in that same position can afford not to be bothered by news from home. In fact, many colonized nations have seen ways in which indigenous people who were given privileged positions found it easy to be like the colonial masters often to the detriment of their own people. This is not so in the case of Nehemiah. Upon receiving a report of how bad things were in Jerusalem, his caring character took over, and he grieved as if he was right there (Nehemiah 1: 4). This character of caring made him ready to be God’s instrument for rebuilding.
Nehemiah was prayerful. On hearing the bad news, he turned to God in prayer (Nehemiah 1: 4-11). In the split second between hearing the king’s question and giving his answer, Nehemiah again prayed (Nehemiah 2: 4-5). Prayer was a part of his life in a way that truly felt like second nature to him. This vital communication between Nehemiah and God gave Nehemiah the strength and capacity to be the leader he was called to be.
Nehemiah was a strategic team leader. He had a vision to rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem. He could have brought workers from Persia to do the rebuilding or done the rebuilding in a way that would give all the credit to himself. He chose not to go that way. Nehemiah was not a “one-man-show” person. He led a team to survey the brokenness before inspiring them to work together. So, the people he gathered around himself could hear his call to come and rebuild with the response of, “Let us rise up and rebuild” (Nehemiah 2: 17-18). This was also seen in how he assigned various portions of the rebuilding to members of the team as for example in chapter 4.
Nehemiah had a tremendous ability to focus. He was not the type to yield to distractions. There were attempts to distract him. Examples are in chapters 5 and 6. But he was so focused on what he was called to do that, relying on God, he was able to accomplish God’s mission assigned to him.
We live in a world in which these character traits are endangered species even among Christian leaders. In this 21st century, we see leaders who are self-centered. Such leaders seem to be satisfied when those they lead place them on pedestals and shower them with praises or when they get material perks of leadership (e.g., a good house, the type of car that turns heads around, power and influence, etc.). Many do not set aside time to pray and develop close constant communication with God, and many are easily distracted. Many of the 21st century leaders would rather be seen in their wielding of authority rather than in how they lead and empower the team.
What we learn from Nehemiah in these four elements of his character highlighted here, can inspire us to be better and more faithful servant leaders running the race that is set before us with perseverance, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12: 1-2).
Let us pray: Lord God, we thank you for calling us and assigning us Your mission. May we learn from Nehemiah’s character and in faithfulness to You, fulfill our assignments in ways that glorify You.