Issue #75, February 15, 2012
With this issue we begin a series of reflections on the life of Nehemiah, a great servant leader with strengths in many areas. We will focus on one aspect of his leadership which every leader needs: vision. Nehemiah lived in exile, born and raised in the Persian empire where he served as cupbearer to the king around 445 BC. Nehemiah’s vision was to help his people build a wall around Jerusalem, the capital city of his exiled people. All of us as servant leaders can learn much from the manner in which he accomplished this vision. A close look at the first chapter provides several clues about the depth of his character, the basis for his vision. Several qualities reflect his strong character.
Nehemiah asked questions and listened.
When some of his relatives returned from Jerusalem, Nehemiah promptly asked them about the condition of the city and people of Jerusalem and listened carefully to their response. The ability to talk less and listen more is a sign of a heart that has been disciplined by the Spirit. James instructs all believers to be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19). Servant leaders learn how to ask questions and listen carefully to what others are saying.
Nehemiah was concerned for others.
Nehemiah had a secure and honored position and had nothing to gain by caring about the condition of Jerusalem. But the questions he asked focused on the condition of others and reflect a heart that was focused on others. This outward focus is a characteristic of leaders whose hearts have been set free from selfish agendas on which many leaders base their visions. Servant leaders learn to put the needs and priorities of others above their own and God longs to find hearts ready to embrace His vision for others.
Nehemiah was prayerful.
When Nehemiah heard about the condition of Jerusalem his initial response was to pray. We will look at this more closely in our next issue. For now, recognize that Nehemiah didn’t just pray when faced with a crisis. Prayer was a pattern of his life and a sign of a disciplined heart. This crisis simply called him to continue praying. Servant leaders don’t pray only because of the current need; they develop patterns of prayer that keep them in an intimate relationship with Jesus.
Nehemiah was trustworthy.
A simple statement says much about Nehemiah’s character, “I was cupbearer to the king”(Nehemiah 1:11). Nehemiah had earned a position with the king that required the king to literally trust Nehemiah with his life. He had learned to serve others before he called others to serve.
All of these attributes point to a man who was prepared to receive a vision from God that would impact the lives of many. His character was solid. Many leaders look for a vision that will help them accomplish their own selfish agendas. Servant leaders focus on becoming people to whom God can entrust His vision. Character forms the basis for vision because it positions us to hear God’s voice, it protects us from pursuing selfish agendas, and enables us to carry out the vision in ways that honor the people whom God will call to help carry out the vision.
To think about: Am I a leader whose character is prepared for a God-inspired vision?
For further reflection and discussion:
- What evidence is there in my leadership in the past 24 hours that my heart is focused on the needs of others?
- How well and how often do I ask questions? Have I learned to draw out the needs of others? Take a moment to write down several questions you can ask of someone you lead.
- Reflect on James 1:19 and the implications this has for your leadership. How well do I listen to others? Would those who are under my leadership agree? (Ask them!)
- What is the result if I have a vision that it bigger than my character?
- What steps is God calling me to take to develop my character?