An Honorable and Genuine Leader

A brother messaged me concerning meeting with the young people online and sharing with them the life of Nehemiah. I had shared with them my testimony as was requested last week. The leading brother was so touched and wanted to share with the young people again. This was my second meeting with them last night. This time sharing on the truth of the Bible. These days, I prefer to stay away from public meetings and giving messages, but this one touched me personally and I felt I should share the message, not merely for the young people but for myself as well. The message was so apt and timely. In fact, this is what I need.

The background of the book of Nehemiah was that of the desolation of the holy land. Yet Nehemiah joined himself to the burden concerning the holy land and took all necessary action to rebuild at least the ruined wall of the city of Jerusalem. With a humble beginning of being the King's cupbearer, he displayed such an honorable testimony before whom he served. No wonder he found favor in the eyes of God and in the eyes of man; in the eyes of the King to grant him leave from his official duty to serve his God by serving his people and his land. Later, he took all the burden to initiate the rebuilding of the wall, taking care of all his fellow brethren who took part in the rebuilding work. He also dealt with the opposition and frustration from the outside attack of the enemy. He showed his leadership skill in dealing with them all. And arranged the service of each man and woman for the rebuilding work. Besides, he kept himself pure from the defilement of the worldly enjoyment and fleshly lust. Rather, he sacrificed his rights of entitlement and took care of the people of God. To sum up, here are some points.

1. Care and concern of God's interest and God's people
2. Praying and fasting
3. Pure heart
4. Not Selfish, not seeking his own interest
5. Not indulging in fleshly lust
6. Conducting himself honorably
7. Trusting in God, fearing God, and honoring God
8. Leading by example
9. Depending upon God, knowing God's desire and being constituted with God's word
10. Bringing people to function in coordination

After sharing all these character traits of Nehemiah, I picked up three main points and released my burden to all the young people. These burdens were released for me as well.

Humanity 

A proper character before God and man are of utmost importance if one has to be a useful vessel to God. Proper and humane conduct at home and wherever God has placed us is the first step of training. As children, be obedient children to your parent and elders. As employees, respect and submissive to the authority above you. As students, be a studious student excelling in all academic activities. A proper vessel is needed to be filled with God to become useful. Such a vessel is filled with God, one with God, and faithfully accomplish God's will. The vessel must be sanctified and unto honor.

That each one of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor. 1 Thessalonians 4:4If therefore anyone cleanses himself from these, he will be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, useful to the master, prepared unto every good work. 2 Timothy 2:21

Prayer and Fasting

And when I heard these words, I sat down and wept, and I mourned for some days; and I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven, Nehemiah 1:4

A sanctified vessel must also be a filled vessel. Otherwise, it would merely be a holy vessel without the holy God as its content. A proper vessel is sanctified and is also filled with the Holy God. There is a need for one to be a man of prayer, to be filled with God so as to be useful to God. Practically, it is best to have a specific time of prayer every day. The lesson of prayer is one of the first lessons a believer has to learn. And it is best to do everything by prayer. Every decision made must be done so in prayer with a confirmation from the Lord.

Coordination

Finally, a proper vessel filled with the Spirit through prayer must also learn how to serve in coordination. In the age of the Body, no single person however pure and holy he or she may be, is out of place. There must be coordination with other members of the Body. ANd must know how to serve with others, and also know how to place and uplift the function of other members too.

With these three burdens, I concluded the meeting with prayer. Though I spoke to the people, I was speaking to myself. These are the burdens I am learning and practicing it myself. 

May the Lord grace me to be an honorable and genuine leader in His move today.