Do God's Work

Scripture: Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired the next section; and Hananiah, one of the perfume-makers, made repairs next to that. They restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. Nehemiah 3:8

Observation: Jerusalem needed the walls rebuilt, and many in the city were doing the work. These two in particular are NOT stone masons, construction experts, or soldiers. Hananiah in particular may have no experience with any kind of manual labor. This kind of work - moving and laying huge stones, where hands could get calloused and fingers broken - may even be detrimental to the (likely delicate) work his hands needed to do in order to earn a living.

That didn't matter. God's people had work to be done, and he responded. When there is work to do, the response is to do it.

Application: A few years ago, I learned this lesson the hard way. I had become arrogant and boastful in my position in church, in my heart looking down on some of the volunteer work people did and valuing other work more highly. So my work was taken away and my position removed.

I spent the next ~3 years at another church, and relegated myself to manual labor. If someone needed a stack of chairs put away, or a table moved, or weeds pulled, I did it. And I learned ... God wants us to serve in his body, and whatever he asks of us, that's God's work.

I still have to check myself on this. When I am asked to lead something at church now, I need to ensure my heart is 'right' and that I'm not proud of the call. I do some ministries that are nothing but labor and I hope no one even notices, as the discipline is necessary. Now, I see others doing what I used to do - leading, but also becoming arrogant in their leadership role ... and I wish I could say something to them.

Hananiah would make a good biblical mentor. It doesn't matter what you THINK your call/spiritual gifts/passions/skills are ... when God has work to be done, go do it ... you'll be eternally rewarded!

Prayer: Lord, I do pray that I be humble - that the work I do keeps my heart right so that, when I am in leadership roles, my service to you is even more effective for your Kingdom. However, if I become prideful, I welcome your correction. It may hurt my pride, but you and I both know my pride can use some pruning now and then to keep it healthy and to keep my life producing good fruit. Amen.