Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Nehemiah 3 and Psalm 15

Nehemiah was a visionary leader who had the gift of seeing the end goal, as well as how God’s people could accomplish that goal. In chapter 3, we observe that he also had the gift of entrusting work to others and allowing them to express themselves by getting the work done. He was not a leader who believed that: “If you want it done right, do it yourself!” The speed with which the wall was rebuilt is evidence that his collaborative leadership style worked!

The first person to work under Nehemiah’s leadership was Eliashib, the high priest. He led his team of priests in the reconstruction of the Sheep Gate. As the gate through which the sacrificial sheep and lambs would have entered the City, it was a very appropriate choice as their particular section of the project. Eliashib showed true servant leadership as he worked side-by-side with the other priests, getting their hands dirty and anointing the City Wall with the sweat of their labour rather than some holy water.

Once their work was complete, the priests consecrated the Gate, dedicating it to the glory of God and thereby indicating that their hard work had been for this purpose all along.

Everything we do – whether building walls, engineering a piece of software, or caring for our friends – can be an act of worship to God if we do it to the best of our ability, with a heartfelt desire to bring glory to God. As Colossians 3:17 says, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” May this be our heart in all we do today.

Holy Spirit, inspire and empower me today to do all that I do to the glory of God, without exception! And please enable me to work alongside others, accomplishing Your purposes as a team, not “doing it all alone”. Amen.