Mind Works!

Nehemiah was a great encourager of others. When he began drawing the people together for the task of rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem, even though there was some opposition attempting to discourage and stop the work, Nehemiah mentioned God’s hand being upon him for good and that King Artaxerxes also support him in the work. As the work was about to begin the plan was met with the response, “LET US RISE UP AND BUILD.” ( Nehemiah 2:18) Can we detect some eagerness in those words? Can we sense the resolve to GET DOWN and put the shoulder to the task? Soon the work was underway and the progress became visible because “THE PEOPLE HAD A MIND TO WORK.” ( Nehemiah 4:6) Though ability to work is conditional to physical ability and available resources, regardless of how strong one might be if there is no “mind to work” (no willingness) the work will not be done; at least by those individuals. God blessed the labors of the people at this time because they resolved to get the work done. However, was everyone on board?

Reading through Nehemiah chapter 3 we find a number of groups and individuals specifically mentioned with regard to the work of rebuilding the wall and making the city of Jerusalem once again secure. There were priests involved. (3:1-2, 22, 28) It is a very good thing when the spiritual leaders are willing to ROLL UP THEIR SLEEVES along with the people. Then there were a number of individuals and clans mentioned (3:3-32), as well as goldsmiths (3:8 & 31-32), a perfumer (3:8), merchants (3:31-32), and even a man and his daughters made the list (3:12). What a collection of people to join in such a rebuilding! How sad, however, that there always seems to be some group who appear to view themselves as being above GETTING DOWN to the work needed doing.

Amongst this varied list we read…
“And next to them the Tekoites repaired, BUT THEIR NOBLES WOULD NOT STOOP TO SERVE THEIR LORD.” ( Nehemiah 3:5 ESV)

The New King James Version reads that the “nobles DID NOT PUT THEIR SHOULDERS TO THE WORK of their Lord.”

The New Living Translation reads: “Next were the people from Tekoa, though THEIR LEADERS REFUSED TO HELP.”

Many were involved, but not these. They were not willing to ROLL UP THEIR SLEEVES. There was no willingness to dirty their hands with such menial labor. When some are too “uppity” in their own estimation of self there is often a refusal to GET DOWN to help with good works in need of being accomplished. Look at that word “uppity” again. What a “pity” some are so “up” on themselves they can’t GET DOWN to the business of serving shoulder to shoulder with other servants of God. The mind -- not the muscle -- in such cases has gotten in the way of the work.

Sometimes the more position or wealth one has the less willing they are to GET DOWN to serve in meeting day-to-day needs. Paul urged Timothy to instruct the wealthy to be “rich in good works”. ( 1 Timothy 6:18) Then in his letter to Titus Paul urged him to insist toward being “careful to devote themselves to good works.” ( Titus 3:8) What is our own mindset? Is it getting in the way or does it produce an eagerness to be involved? When the mind works properly in humbly focusing on what needs to be done, much can be accomplished to glory of God.

Have a great day BRINGING BRAIN AND BRAWN TOGETHER FOR GOD’S GLORY!
Carl

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