Some Won’t Help

As you read through the exciting story of Nehemiah and the people rebuilding the city walls of Jerusalem, there is a little verse that seems out of place.
“Beside them the Tekoites made repairs, but their nobles did not lift a finger to help their supervisors.”  Nehemiah 3:5 CSB
Of course, it is not out of place; I feel that it is very significant and its position in the chapter rather important. “Why,” you ask? Because in every team and on every big mission there will be someone or a few someones who will not “lift a finger to help,” and one of two things will happen to the team. Either the team will fixate on those few people and become discouraged trying to motivate and encourage those few to be part, in the process losing focus and energy. Or, the team will encourage them to be part and then move on to complete the task with or without them, staying focused and using their energy and motivation for the mission.
Some time ago I realized that it is not my job as a leader to make people do the work; it is my responsibility to present the opportunities and then to come alongside, encourage, and provide direction to those who have a desire to do the work. By doing this consistently great things will be accomplished for the glory of God.
So how does this affect us today? Don’t spend your time and energy focused on those not doing the work; instead, spend your time and energy doing what you know you are supposed to be doing to bring glory to God. Leave those who choose not to help with God; he will know how to help them, and you won’t end up distracted.

-Pastor Tim