Nehemiah 5:13-19
It’s much easier to be a follower than a leader. To go with the norm, go with tradition, go with the culture. It takes a brave person to break away from that and choose to be a leader. It’s also easier to break rules, take the easy route, or be lazy. Being a follower of Christ, you will be in the minority. You may be the only Christian in your family, workplace, or friend group. Maybe in your workplace, you're the only one not bending the rules. Maybe at school, you're the only one not cheating on tests. Maybe in your friend group, you're the only one being abstinent before marriage. As Christians, we have so many opportunities to be an example and be a leader when everyone else is taking the easy road or what's expected in society.
Nehemiah, as governor, was expected to receive the governor's allowance from the people just like those who had gone before him. However, that was not the case! He refused the governor's food allowance, normally a heavy burden placed on the people. Instead, Nehemiah invited 150 Jews and officials to eat at his table. He shared his own food instead of demanding it from those underneath him. He cared more about others than himself, even when he was in charge. Nehemiah sacrificed his personal rights and went against the norm for governors of his time. He wasn’t looking to get; he was looking to give. He changed tradition and set an example for the people.
What are some ways we can go against what's expected to show our love and consideration for others? It’s expected to look the other way when someone is in need. It’s expected to be selfish and greedy instead of sacrificing our time or money. It’s normal to be concerned about ourselves and not others. Our flesh would rather have it that way! As leaders in our homes, workplaces, or schools, it’s time to raise the bar and be like Nehemiah! Thinking of others above ourselves, and how God can get the glory from it. How will you be like Nehemiah this week?
It’s much easier to be a follower than a leader. To go with the norm, go with tradition, go with the culture. It takes a brave person to break away from that and choose to be a leader. It’s also easier to break rules, take the easy route, or be lazy. Being a follower of Christ, you will be in the minority. You may be the only Christian in your family, workplace, or friend group. Maybe in your workplace, you're the only one not bending the rules. Maybe at school, you're the only one not cheating on tests. Maybe in your friend group, you're the only one being abstinent before marriage. As Christians, we have so many opportunities to be an example and be a leader when everyone else is taking the easy road or what's expected in society.
Nehemiah, as governor, was expected to receive the governor's allowance from the people just like those who had gone before him. However, that was not the case! He refused the governor's food allowance, normally a heavy burden placed on the people. Instead, Nehemiah invited 150 Jews and officials to eat at his table. He shared his own food instead of demanding it from those underneath him. He cared more about others than himself, even when he was in charge. Nehemiah sacrificed his personal rights and went against the norm for governors of his time. He wasn’t looking to get; he was looking to give. He changed tradition and set an example for the people.
What are some ways we can go against what's expected to show our love and consideration for others? It’s expected to look the other way when someone is in need. It’s expected to be selfish and greedy instead of sacrificing our time or money. It’s normal to be concerned about ourselves and not others. Our flesh would rather have it that way! As leaders in our homes, workplaces, or schools, it’s time to raise the bar and be like Nehemiah! Thinking of others above ourselves, and how God can get the glory from it. How will you be like Nehemiah this week?
Posted in Devotional