Page 40 - Principles of Leadership - Nehemiah

we are all the same but because our differences are put aside to work for a greater goal.” 130 Some would say
that Nehemiah was an expert in the “art of delegation…which is the key to enabling the work of rebuilding to
be completed.” 131 It is safe to say that Nehemiah had learned this valuable art from Moses in Exodus 18. To be
a master in this art of delegation one must realize that it is possible to “pick the wrong person for the right job
or pick the right person for the wrong job.” 132 Again, Nehemiah was smart enough to choose workers to build
close to their own homes so that they would take more ownership of the project and more personal interest in
the details of the work.

However, there was not 100% buy-in among the people, even in this great project. 5. Beside them, the
Tekoites made repairs, but their nobles did not lift a finger to help their supervisors. We do not know why
they would not lift a finger, but it was recorded to see that not everyone participated. By recording this event,
we can see that Nehemiah believed in holding people accountable. Everyone needs someone to whom they are
accountable because a person who is not accountable to another person is an accident waiting to happen. I
have pastored for over 35 years, and I do not know any pastors who would tell you that they have 100% buy-in
from their congregations. However, the Tekoites are to be commended as the common people repaired
another section of the wall even though their nobles would not lift a finger. 27 Next to him, the Tekoites made
repairs to another section. Even though some of the Tekoite nobles did not lift a finger to help, Nehemiah
demonstrated remarkable leadership skills in keeping the other Tekoites focused and faithful.

We are not told specifically why the Tekoite nobles would not lift a finger, but there is little doubt that pride
was a factor. Pride inflates our self-importance and makes holiness and unity impossible. It views humility as a
failing rather than a virtue. “It deflects our steps from the way of the cross. It refuses to see Christ as the
noblest example and forgets that he poured water into a basin and washed the feet of others. I have set you an
example that you should do as I have done for you.” 133

One of the best books I have ever read about humility is a book entitled Humilitas by John Dickson. John
explains how humility was not a virtue that people strove for in the ancient world. Weak tribal chiefs were
killed, or their positions of power were challenged. Therefore, most tribal chiefs were forced to lead from
positions of power and authority. Christ turned this kind of leadership upside down. The doctrine of the
incarnation of Christ shouts out that we are to live as Christ did. Therefore, “Humility is the noble choice to
forgo your status, deploy your resources, or use your influence for the good of others before yourself. More
simply, you could say the humble person is marked by a willingness to hold power in service of others.” 134 We
need to realize that no one likes to be second, but Christ led the example of being a servant leader. As we
continue this study, we will see how Nehemiah used positional leadership when challenged by the opposition.
However, he used servant leadership principles when working with those who wanted to enter the vision that
was cast for a more desirable future.

3. Their privilege
These builders saw this work not as a grueling chore but as a priceless opportunity. This passage of scripture
may seem like an unnecessary list of names, many of which are hard to pronounce. However, in God’s
viewpoint, He is trying to get us to recognize that no good work done in His name, for His glory, will go
unnoticed. Therefore, let us do good, especially to the household of God. (Galatians 6:10)

4. Their reward
They realized that coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is a
success. Therefore, Nehemiah used this chapter to give the workers a pat on the back. “Affirmation is the
greatest motivating factor I know of and the single most effective way to keep the rebuilding process moving
forward… and one of the most revealing observations is that Nehemiah never once mentioned his own
name.” 135

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