Series: Youth for Jesus
Number: Vol. 8, No. 31
“So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.” (Nehemiah 4:6NIV)
Who were the people that worked with all their heart, as we see in our opening text? The Jews rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem with Nehemiah! And why did they work with all their heart? First, they worked with all their heart because they had a leader like Nehemiah, who not only spoke encouraging words to them but also worked with all his heart too.
So, if we want any group of people anywhere to work hard and with all their heart, we must give them a leader who is ready to work hard and with all his heart himself. Otherwise, there is no guarantee that such a group will succeed at any task before them.The second reason those people worked with all their heart was that they knew that what they were doing was for their benefit. Nehemiah had earlier told all of them that rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem would take disgrace away from them in unspeakable ways. And they all agreed with him because it was the truth.
So, when it was time to start working, all of them, including their priests gave themselves wholeheartedly to the work. That, of course, shows us that if we want people to work with all their heart in doing anything, we must endeavor to draw their attention to the benefits involved, whether material or spiritual. That is a great way to motivate people. (Cf. Neh 2&3)
Another reason those Jews worked with all their hearts was that God succeeded in stirring them up to do so. If God does not stir up people’s hearts to fully give themselves to doing what is right, they will not demonstrate any form of faithfulness in doing so, even if they have the most diligent and inspiring leader over them and even though what is to be done is for their utmost benefit. (Cf. Haggai 1:14-15)
For instance, despite the fact that Moses was a diligent, faithful and inspiring leader, most of the Israelites that he brought out of Egypt did not follow him wholeheartedly in doing the will of God.
Also, despite the fact that all that Moses was leading them to do was for their benefit, they still would not follow him wholeheartedly in doing the will of God. So, most of them did not make it to the Promised Land.Therefore, God needs to stir people’s hearts up to work with all their hearts in doing His will or in following any leader to do what is right and profitable for them and others.
That is why, as a leader of a family, an organization, a team or a Christian body, learn to pray that God will always stir up the hearts of those under your leadership to work with you with all their hearts in accomplishing your collective objectives and good desires. Otherwise, all you can expect are failure and frustration. And may you be kept from such, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Finally, if you are a follower in any place or a part of any team, learn to work with all your heart in handing any task you are given, as long as it is something good, righteous and beneficial. Don’t be the one to discourage your leader or team with laziness or meaningless talks. Remember that the word of God tells us to do whatever we find to do with all our might and as unto the Lord. That is because it is not only humans that will reward us for our works. God also will reward us for them. (Cf. Ecc 9:10; Col 3:23-24)
Now God’s rewards are always greater and better. Will you, then, someday receive His rewards or miss them? Everything depends on the heart with which you do whatever is entrusted to you. So, wake up and begin to handle whatever work that is committed to you with all your heart. It is one sure way not to waste your effort and life.
Cheers!
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