Page 107 - Principles of Leadership - Nehemiah

In closing, I am reminded of how it is easy to find scripture verses to prove any leadership style. For example,
those who embrace an extreme authoritarian leadership style would quote Nehemiah 13:25. I rebuked them
and called curses down on them. I beat some of them and pulled out their hair. Or John 2:15, where Jesus
overturned the tables of the money changers as he drove them out of the temple with a whip. These verses
certainly speak to authoritarian, dictatorial leadership styles. Some cultures and generations embrace this
leadership style more than we do in the West. Ethnocentrism assumes that one’s own culture is the best and
that other cultures are inferior. Biblical principles of leadership need to come from the whole of the scriptures.
We must seek a synthesis of principles rather than a prof-text of examples. Most books on leadership are
written from a monoculture perspective, interspersed with Bible verses and marketed as universal Biblical
leadership principles. Therefore, when we in the West run into a style of tribal chief leadership that is more
authoritarian than our egalitarian leadership style, we need to recognize that we are looking at scriptures
through the eyeglasses of our culture. As we look at our various styles of leadership and discuss their strengths
and weaknesses, may we discuss the variations with a deep sense of humility?

As you look at the last sentence found in this book, it once again reminds me that prayer is the timeless secret
of high-impact leaders. Nehemiah begins his book with a prayer and ends his book in prayer. “As we leave our
friend Nehemiah, and the many truths he has given us, we can now testify to the beautiful reality… It’s never
too late for a new beginning.” 225

Let’s Practice…

1. How long after finishing the wall was Chapter 13 written?

2. Why was Nehemiah extremely disappointed when he returned to Jerusalem after returning to Persia?

3. List at least three ways in the closing chapter that the people of Jerusalem had turned away from the Lord:

Let’s get Personal…

Activity: When we stand before the Lord someday, God will not look at all the great things that we did in His
name, but rather will look to see if we were faithful in every way to walk in obedience to His commandments. I
Corinthians 4:2 says, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” How are you doing? If
you feel you have been and are being faithful in 100% of your life to God, write the word “FAITHFUL” in this
blank:

What areas could you become more faithful in?

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