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ETHICS FOR SERVICE (III)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6
Nehemiah 2:1-8

Luke 14:25-33

 

“For which of you, intending to build a tower,

sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost.”

 

ETHICS FOR SERVICE (III)
 
Christian service begins with the heart, not the acts. Chapter 1 of Nehemiah gives us a glimpse into the heart of a servant. As we consider the ethics of a servant in Chapter 2, we get a glimpse also into the mind of Nehemiah. The picture we get is one of a sober mind aiding a burdened heart. As we go about seeking to serve God, we must ensure that we keep close to God, seek His will and know His Word. It is equally important to have a clear understanding of the requirements and the tasks related to the area of service we seek to pursue. Hence Christian service requires a sober and clear mind.
 
And I said unto the king (Neh 2:5). Nehemiah secured the attention of the king by approaching the matter and issue in his heart tactfully and wisely. He secured the favour of the king by a life of committed and faithful service. Also, having prayed both over the matter bearing on his heart, as well as the king’s question posed to him, Nehemiah went on then to respond to the king in a manner that gives us a glimpse of a sober and clear mind. First, he did not lose himself in the moment. The king’s question definitely brought hope and joy, but Nehemiah approached it with the same tact as he did the earlier question that brought great fear (Neh 2:2). With a sober mind, he made his request again, not mentioning the name of the “city of my fathers’ sepulchres.”
 
For how long shall thy journey be? (Neh 2:6). The conversation between Nehemiah and the king continued with Nehemiah responding to the king’s questions, revealing a well-thought plan of action. He had obviously considered what it would take to accomplish the task he desired. He was able to set a timetable for the work (Neh 2:6), make request for letters of authority (i.e. official permits both for travel and work) to the governors of the province beyond the river (Neh 2:7), and letters of provision for the work he was to do, securing for him materials he would need for the work (Neh 2:8). He even knew who was in charge of the king’s forest.
 
THOUGHT: It is not spiritual to be careless, we must be well versed in God’s Word.

PRAYER: Help me not to be slothful in business, but fervent in spirit.

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