It’s easy to see the book of Nehemiah as a simple handbook for godly leadership, but we need to look beneath its surface. Unlike Adam, Eve and Cain, Nehemiah does good and restorative work. It can be frustrating when his namesake book is mined for techniques for faithfulness and success. The ingredients – faithfulness, prayer, repentance, and teamwork – are good. Being told they are a recipe isn’t helpful. I appreciate that South Fellowship doesn’t present Scripture as a ”users’ manual”. We need to learn to walk in the way of Jesus with the heart of Jesus, not master a technique. This is how the Bible becomes relevant for people in different situations and life stages as we work together.
Our work often involves building teams and relationships, and that’s more difficult than building structures. Nehemiah’s character and work are admirable, but he’s overseeing wall repairs and has teams of people ready to spring into action:
I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work. Nehemiah 2:17-18
Responsibilities of raising children, serving others, and nurturing communities blur the line between personal time and work. Sometimes work, such as parenting a child who will never live independently, cannot be finished. Mother Theresa said: “In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.” Our work can be a joy and this quote can be inspirational. However, demands, both of others and of our inner critics, can add to our burdens and we can feel inadequate even when giving 100 percent. When I was in the season of volunteering in school and church while raising my children, “doing insignificant things with great exhaustion” would have been more honest. When we feel like this, we don’t need a biblical pep talk.
When actions like Nehemiah’s and attitudes like Mother Theresa’s become part of the fabric of a community, we can move beyond the pressures of working in isolation and great things can happen. Recently, I got a new perspective on service while providing meals for teacher appreciation at Halcyon school in Boulder. I’ve participated in similar events, but this was more significant, because it connected three great communities: the teachers, who serve the highest risk students without the parental support that other teachers get; the transportation department, where I work as a school bus driver; and South Fellowship. What made the difference? I believe it was the prayers and support of Erin Young, South’s outreach director, and a South Together grant. It was also due to the support of my supervisor in transportation, who’s a Christian and who has been building relationships with staff at the school. Finally, my friend Sal made a donation and was so encouraging. All I had to do was notice the need and bring the meals. This wasn’t hard because I was just connecting people who were already doing great work. Rather than straining to “be like Nehemiah”, I could do my part and watch as the communities came together in a beautiful puzzle.
Application: As we honor Steve’s leadership let’s remember to notice and pray for the good work of our pastors, staff, and community members, both in our fellowship and outside of it. Don’t forget to notice and appreciate your own good work!
Steven Curtis Chapman: Do Everything – Official Lyric Video
Teacher Appreciation Week !
Halcyon principal Matthew Dudeck, bus driver Sherry Sommer,
Special Ed transportation supervisor Trish Trujillo, Halcyon staff member
by Sherry Sommer
