Looking For Truth And Fear

Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Reading: Nehemiah 7:1-3
Reflection: There are several lessons in this little passage. One is the lesson to not become complacent once the initial work is done. A second lesson is to take steps to ensure the protection of the good that has been accomplished. However, this morning what connected with me is two character qualities we are to look for when selecting leaders. In our world it seems that people tend to look at outward qualities such as height, weight, charismatic presence or the ability to deliver speeches that engage the imaginations of people. Nehemiah, however, looks at two internal character qualities that every godly leader must possess. The first is being a man of integrity. Literally, the Hebrew describes him as a man of truth. In other words, leaders need to be men who integrate in a consistent way what they believe into all they do in daily life. They are men who do not just say they believe in God, but they truthfully embody that truth in daily life. If a person has integrity in daily life, they will likely have integrity in their leadership as well. The second quality is a fear of God. A man who chooses to lead others must have a reverence for the God to whom they will give an accounting. This sense of awe and fear inspire the man of God to do what is right, convinced that they will have to answer to their master for the manner in which they led God's people. So, if we wish to be men of God who are good leaders in our communities, our homes and our churches, we need to ensure that we fear God and integrate faith and life. As we do these two things, we ensure that God is pleased with us and will open before us ever expanding opportunities to influence others.