Nehemiah 5:16
“I also applied myself to the work on this wall; we did not buy any land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work.”
Nehemiah was a great leader. We see it when he is first introduced at the beginning of his book. He held a high role as cupbearer. He was a taster for the king, but also wise and often in the kings presence. When he got the bad news from Israel, he prayed and fasted as to how to bring this up to the king. God opened the doors and prepared the kings heart to use him.
Today’s verse further proves his leadership. He shows that he isn’t above working. This is a big deal. This incentivizes the common worker. He has motivation in building the wall behind his house, but not beyond. When he sees the leader of the whole project getting his hands dirty, then all rise up to be diligent.
The bible gives great value to hard work. It’s all throughout Proverbs. 6:6-11 says, “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer; she gathers her food at harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit.”
Paul joins in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, ‘”For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”’ He’s referring to how the church gathers its resources to aid the poor and needy. However, if the person is able bodied and is unwilling to work for himself, the church isn’t to assist that one. This speaks to the homeless crisis that our culture is experiencing. That’s why many don’t give to panhandlers.
Paul further addresses this issue in I Timothy 5:8, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Those are strong words. That’s because that one isn’t submitting himself to the authority of scripture. The bible tells all to work. If they don’t, then they aren’t under obedience to God and His Word. They are in disobedience.
Lord, help us to be diligent workers for ourselves, for those with whom we are to support and as an example to those we are to influence.