1. Nehemiah listened to the community. He heard the complaints and cries of the people.
Listening to the community is one of the core values and practices found in Christian Community Development. We must listen to the felt needs of people.
2. Nehemiah's heart was aligned with God in such a way that the injustices he heard reported from the people bothered him. "When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry."
Do the things that break God's heart, break our heart? Do they bother us? If not, why not?
3. Nehemiah advocated for the people and spoke out. He pointed out the injustice and called for justice.
Are we standing up for justice? Advocating? being a voice for the voiceless?
4. Nehemiah had credibility and trust. When the officials heard Nehemiah, they had such respect for him that they responded favorably. "We will give it back," they said. "And we will not demand anything more from them. We will do as you say."
Nehemiah's integrity was rock solid. Are we living in such a way that our lives verify our words?
5. Nehemiah identified with the people by joining them. He did nothing for selfish gain, he sacrificed privilege and worldly power in order to identify with the people . "I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands were heavy on these people."
How much of our privilege and power and comfort are we willing to surrender in order to join with people for the work of rebuilding our community?
6. Nehemiah kept his focus on his calling and the mission; not on self-centered ventures. "I devoted myself to the work on this wall. All my men were assembled there for work; we did not acquire any land."
What calling has God given you? What titles, possessions, privileges take your focus from the call?
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