I want to continue today looking at Nehemiah who was used by God to lead in accomplishing a great work. From his life I want to pick out some things that made him the competent leader he was. We have already mentioned five of these. He was:

1. Concerned about others even though he enjoyed a life in the king’s palace.
2. Prayerful
3. Self-disciplined
4. Willing to and dared to believe the impossible
5. One who planned and prepared for the work to be done

In addition, we some other traits that enhanced his leadership ability:

6. He was able to work under time restraints! (Neh. 2.5)

This may seem contrary to God’s ways because we know that we cannot put God on a time schedule. The fact is His people are to redeem their time for His glory. When godly leadership accomplishes a three month task in two years, it is a poor witness to their work ethic, and I personally believe it displeases God. I am convinced that we ought to establish a reasonable time for every spiritual undertaking, and seek to meet that schedule. If God chooses to work slower then so be it. Let’s make sure we are waiting on God, and He is not waiting on us!

7. He was successful in dealing with and overcoming his problems. (Neh. 2.17-20)

One thing that never changes is the fact that God’s true work is plagued with problems. You cannot accomplish anything of eternal value without dealing with and overcoming problems. Many of God’s people are sitting on the “stool of do nothing”, living defeated lives because they have been unsuccessful in doing so. Always remember, problems are not the exception, but the rule in Christian service, therefore God’s servants must learn to successfully overcome them. Incidentally, if you are serving God, and not experiencing problems you had better check up, something’s wrong!

8. He was able to work with others. (Neh. 2.17-18)

Some saints just can’t work with others. They have to be the boss, have their way, can’t adjust for different personalities, have no room for other opinions, etc. In God’s work we will do very little unless we learn to work with others in a godly manner.

9. He was willing to fight if necessary. (Neh. 4.14)

Nehemiah wasn’t looking for a fight, but if it was necessary to get the job done, so be it. He wasn’t going to be intimidated or run from the adversary. He prepared for the battle. I know in our day we need to be very careful about encouraging Baptists to fight. In addition, I know the Lord promised to fight our battles for us, but we must do our part. We must contend for the faith, reprove, rebuke, stop the mouths of those who subvert whole houses, and exercise church discipline! God’s work is not for the weak of heart!

10. He was ever conscious of sin, and separation. (Neh. 1.6-7/ 2.20)

I saved these points for last, but they would have been listed first had I went in order of importance. I could spend much time on each , but do not feel I should today, except for this comment. Before you can do anything for God of any spiritual value, you must deal with sin in your life, and if you cannot obtain to the separated life you are defeated before you begin!