Nehemiah: Leadership Principles

I hope you've enjoyed reading the book of Nehemiah along with me over the past several days. I know I've gleaned many new things that I'm still mulling around. We all are leaders in some capacity or another so reading the book of Nehemiah can give us some godly principles to use in our daily life. Here are a few that I saw.

Seeing God's Heart
Nehemiah's heart was touched when his brother brought news of what was happening in Jerusalem.  He  was in the palace with an influential position.  He could have let the conversation go or simply prayed a quick prayer that God would help, but instead his concern became a desire for action.  He allowed himselfl to see God's heart concerning the danger Jerusalem faced without a wall of protection, and began to pray for the favor of God to go to  Jerusalem and make a difference.  If we are going to do anything for God we have to allow Him to share His dream with us and desire to see it come to past. 

His Life of Prayer
Throughout the book of Nehemiah we see Nehemiah praying to God for help and wisdom.  His first prayer was to ask God for favor with the king and to be allowed to go to Jerusalem and work on the wall.   "Strengthen my hands" was a prayer he prayed when he realized his enemies wanted him to give up the  task. He also asked God to remember those things he did for the people.  Each step of the way we see Nehemiah praying.  Some folks thought Nehemiah's prayers to be bold and brash, but if one is going to do something to change the world they must know who they are in Christ and be willing to seek God at every turn.

Steadfastness
Nehemiah would not come down off the wall despite all the distractions that the enemy sent his way. The book of Nehemiah is a roller coaster ride of a book.  Just when it seems like one crisis is contained Nehemiah is having to put out another fire with enemies, supposed loyal officials, false accusations and even physical threats and attacks.  He had to build moral among the workers, assign protection details, and stay steady while a steady stream of voices made it seem he should come make a deal.  Anyone who desires to be a successful leader will have to develop similar tenacity in times of trial.  People who desire to make a difference cannot be moved because some obstacles come their way.  Prayer and steadfastness go hand in hand.  Do you fall apart at the first sign of trouble?  Steadfastness is learned project by project trusting God each time more and more.

Righteousness
Nehemiah was a voice of right and wrong. Some that read the book may cringe at his insistence on right living before God.  He told the people that they should not marry folks that were foreigners and served other God's. He was adamant about not allowing the Sabbath to be profaned.  He invited Ezra and the scribes to read the Word of the Lord aloud to the people so that they would know what was right and wrong.   He wasn't afraid to rock the status quo.and speak up even when the offenders were the rich and powerful.   Godly leaders have to keep themselves pure and also be wiling to speak.