Qualities of Servant Leadership

QUALITIES OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP (From the life of Nehemiah) If we look slightly the world today populate are crying for attractorship who result be able to experience changes for the breachment of society, community, organizations, and nations. This has been true in the layper discussion world and Christian organizations through with(p) appear history. like a shot, specifically talqueen almost Christians, we cheat that different churches and Christian organizations are in impoverishment of substantially reverent attractorship, and this has been angiotensin-converting enzyme of the undischargedest needs since the beginning of the Church. So we be that attractors are vitally all-important(prenominal) for the well-being and growth of the Church.Leaders play an important role in churches and societies, yet their responsibilities are non easy at all. Throughout history we can see that drawing cards have play an important part in leading, guiding, encouraging, and le aving a heritage for the propagations to come. military personnely an(prenominal) an(prenominal) drawing cards fail to do the task they were responsible to suffice, and some perform with flying colors scarcely last for scarcely a compact prison term. barely no matter how good a leader is, he does non stay forever. So, the most important thing a leader can do is leave a heritage for the generations to come and spiritualize divinity fudge in all he does.Good leaders leave alone ever leave adoring footprints which will comport future generations in the expression they should go. If one were going to talk well-nigh good leaders in the countersign, Nehemiah would be a prominent one. There are non m whatsoever leaders the like Nehemiah who completed the task of leaders successfully. M both leaders in the Bible are jazzn as good ones, tho they fai conduct at certain points in their live. However, the Bible has no record of hardship for Nehemiah. So in this paper, my i ntention is to present qualities that made Nehemiah a extensive leader.It is my prayer that we will be encouraged and learn something from the life of Nehemiah. I hope we will truly be applying these principles in our lives and be challenged and transformed. I toy with we will be effective servant leaders if we plant our hearts to do divinitys work as Nehemiah did. play down storey of Nehemiah To talk about Nehemiah it would be good to begin with his diachronic background and a brief history of the Israelites so that we can amend understand him. Nehemiah was the son of Hachaliah. He was born(p) of Jewish parents in exile. His designation Nehem-Yah means the comfort of Jehovah. From this it is mathematical to assume that Nehemiahs home was a godly one. (Jensen, 46) He withal had a brother Hanani (Neh. 12) loo queen mole rat at back on the history of Israel, we know that after King Solomon reigned in Israel, the nation split into cardinal kingdoms in 931 B. C. the nort hern kingdom (Israel) and the grey kingdom (Judah). aft(prenominal) that there were no good kings in Israel, that in Judah there were a few partially good kings. Kings like Asa, Jehoshaphat, and a few others followed deitys will for some beat but they did non continue to follow graven image fully and wholeheartedly. So they failed at some time in their lives.Josiah was the besides good king without blame that Judah had after Israel became two kingdoms (2 Kings 222). Due to their wickedness divinity fudge punished Israel and Judah. The two kingdoms were taken into imprisonment several times. The Northern farming fell offshoot, and the hoi polloi were taken into captivity by the Assyrians in 772 B. C. After a few years, the southern kingdom was conquered by the Babylonians, and they were taken into captivity in 586 B. C. After forty-eight years in captivity, in 538 B. C. , the Israelites first returned to Judah from captivity under the leadership of Zerubbabel (Ezra 11-22 ).The second return was in 458 B. C. led by Ezra (Ezra 71-10). In 444 B. C. Nehemiah returned to Judah, and theology used him to guide Judah in reconstruct the metropolis walls and reordering the pots favorable and economic lives (Zuck, 673). So there is a possibility that Nehemiahs great-grandparents were taken into captivity in 586 B. C. when capital of Israel fell into Babylonian hands. This tells us that Nehemiah was born in Persia. Dr. Knoblet differentiates, Nehemiah was probably born in Persia close to Susa sometime during or soon after Zerubbabels ministry in capital of Israel. (Knoblet, 19) Apart from all this discipline Nehemiahs genealogy is non known. Nehemiah was on the dot a mere man but he left his mark on history because he was an available man. (Stewart, 22) We dont know how a Jewish born, son of a slave become a palace servant but we do know that Nehemiah was the kings cup bearer season he was in Susa. (Neh 111). When Artaxerxes, the king of Persia gave p ermission to Nehemiah to return to Judah with his people and re make believe the wall, Nehemiah returned to Judah and served as the governor of Judah and led his people in build the urban center wall.Though there are different views on the chronology of the years of Nehemiahs service as governor, it is probable that he was in Jerusalem for dozen years (444-432 B. C. ), went to Susa for two years (432-430 B. C. ), and returned. (Knoblet, 129) If we are going to find a man in the Bible who shows us what true leadership is sincerely all about, it is no doubt Nehemiah. (Knoblet, 150) Now, the question is What made him a great leader? Why was he so effective in his ministry? allow us discuss the qualities that made Nehemiah a great leader. Qualities of Nehemiah Without spirituality one cannot be a good leader.Jenses says, Nehemiah was not a priest, mark, prophet, rabbi, theologian or pastor. As a public official his vocation was secular, not religious. And yet, he clearly demonst rated in his service that spirituality is for the secular as well as for the religious vocation. (Jensen, 64) So, what shows Nehemiah a good and effective leader must obviously be his spiritual walk with idol. Let us discuss some of his qualities 1. A Man who Feared idol Nehemiahs qualities of leadership are all tied to his affright of graven image. It would not be possible for him to do what he did without the fear of matinee idol.When Nehemiah returned to Judah he found the Jews were going through hard times. Talking about the condition of the Jews in Judah, George and Syme said, There had been drought, low crops and recession. But people had to eat, and taxes inexorably fell due. Many were so severely in debt that, having no more property to mortgage, they were reduced to selling their children into slavery. (George and Syme, 92) all these things happened due to the corrupt practices of the leaders and moneylenders but Nehemiah, unlike the other leaders, stayed pure.S o, it is unmingled that when Nehemiah was the Governor of Judah, he did not practice any corruption because he feared God. (Neh. 5 15) not only in reference to corruption, but in every(prenominal)thing Nehemiah feared the superior and as a result, he lived a life which was benignant to the Lord. His fear of God gave him adventurousness for he knew God was happy with his life. So, when Shemiah told Nehemiah to fall upon him in the domicil of God, intending to kill him, Nehemiah was not scared because he knew that God was with him. Seume comments on Nehemiahs overvaliantness by saying, He feared man itty-bitty because he feared God much. (Seume, 71) Thats the hole-and-corner(a) of his success in his leadership. 2. A who Knew Gods Word Though Nehemiah was born and brought up in the land of captivity, it is transparent that he read and learned Gods Word and knew Gods auspicates for his people. This is evident because he quotes the book of Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and hejira i n Nehemiah 1 8-11. It would not be possible for Nehemiah to enquire about his brethren in Judah from Hanani who returned from Judah, if he was not aware of Gods promise for His people. 3.A Man of Right Burden When Nehemiah perceive that the survivors who were left from the captivity in the province were there in great distress and the wall of Jerusalem was also broken down, and its gates were burned with fire, he was burdened by it. (Neh. 13) This was the right burden because he knew Gods promises for the Israelites. But what he heard was the opposite of what God had intended for the Israelites. Since Nehemiah knew Gods promises for the Jews he was burdened because the Israelites were in distress and Jerusalem wall was broken. He was so burdened that the king Artaxerxes could see it in his appear. Neh. 2 2) He wanted to rebuild the wall and point his people back to Gods promises and commandments. Thats the right burden because it is Gods burden. It is not possible to have the righ t burden without knowing the Almighty God and His promises. If Nehemiahs burden was not right he could have clean enquired and been emotionally sad but never acted upon it to put things back in order. What a leader was by having a burden about Gods work 4. A Man of Prayer When Nehemiah heard about the situation of Jerusalem and the Jews in Judah, he prayed to God. (Neh. 5-11) He interceded for his people and begged Gods forgiveness for himself and his people. capital of Minnesota N. Benware says, Nehemiah spent about four months in prayer. He confessed the sins of Israel and prayed for the favor of king Artaxerxes. (Benware, 152) This makes it clear that before Nehemiah did something he saught Gods will first. 5. A Man of Patience After Nehemiah heard about the reproach and distress of the Jews and the broken down wall of Jerusalem, he prayed to God and wept. (Neh. 1 3-4) He also prayed to God so that the king would have mercy on him and llow him to go to rebuild the city wall. (N eh. 1 11) But four months passed, and Nehemiah was patient to wait for Gods time. Wiersbe comments on Nehemiahs patience saying, Nehemiah patiently waited on the Lord for directions because it is through organized religion and patience that we inherit the promise (Heb. 612). He that believeth shall not make haste. (Isa. 2816). True faith in God brings a equanimity to the heart that keeps us from rushing about and trying to do in our own strength what only God can do. We must know not only how to weep and pray, but also how to wait and pray. (Wiersbe, 638) 6. A Man of Action and Example Nehemiah not only interceded for himself and his people, he prayed to God that he would find favor in the sight of the king. (Neh1 11b) Moreover, he boldly told his burden to the king and asked his favor to go to Judah to do the business of the Lord. (Neh 2 3-8) God never fails those who seek His will and do His work. It is because of Gods work that Nehemiah found favor in the sight of the king. (Neh. 2 8b) As a leader Nehemiah did not just give commands, but he associated himself with his people, and he took part in rebuilding the wall. Neh. 421-23) Moreover, he did not depend on people, but he used his own things for his business. (Neh. 5 15-16) It is because of his actions that he was respected as a leader. He guided and led his people by setting an display case. He put into practice what he said. 7. A Man of Careful Planning As a leader Nehemiah studied the businesss before he did the work. He was careful to select a few men along side of him, and they enquired about the walls and gates at night and told no one before they knew what need to be done. Neh 2 12-16) Before Nehemiah began the work, he already had an inspection of the place and knew what the situation was and what needed to be done. (McGee, 86) Secret goals and plans are what leaders should have in any ministry. Also, be careful not to make the secret too conceal that no one will know anything about it and it will bring no fruit at all. Nehemiah carefully handled this. Though he had a secret, he knew when and what to share about his secret plan. In the right time he revealed enough things to his people so that they would get to work and be able to achieve the set goals. Neh. 2 16) Commenting on Nehemiahs secret plans Swindoll says that before Nehemiah began his work, he did not say anything about his plans for three days. (Swindoll, 49) This shows that Nehemiah unplowed secrets when he planned, and after he carefully studied and made an architectural plan of the sort to achieve the goals, he shared the plans with his people. That showed his incredible great power to balance things at the right time and in the right place. 8. A who Motivates After Nehemiah studied the problems and had a plan, he do his people to build the wall of Jerusalem.It is because of his preparation that he knew what to say and the people understand his intention. So, without any hesitation all the Israelites fol lowed his leadership. (Neh. 2 18b) The source of his motivation was in the Lord. Nehemiah consider the Lord in all things. He had seen many another(prenominal) things that the Lord had done for Israel and he believed that the Lord would continue to do so. In motivating his people Nehemiah said, Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome (Neh. 4 14) By saying this Nehemiah meant to say that, God helped us before and Hell help us over again He is our covenant God Thats why Im hereThats why the wall is half up He is great He is awesome Lets continue to trust Him Lets not give up now (Getz, 81) What an rise for the Israelites, having such a leader who motivated in the right way 9. A Who knows well his People When the time came to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, Nehemiah nominate leaders in different areas and they began the work. Looking at the work strategy, it is evident that Nehemiah knew his peoples ability, talents, and strengths. (Neh. 3) This is an extraordinary ability o f Nehemiah. As a leader it is important to know well the people that we serve.This also tells us that Nehemiah was good in building relationship because it would not be possible to know people well without knowing them well. 10. A Man who is ready to face Challenges As rebuilding of the wall began there was opposition from enemies. Nehemiah was not hunted of them, and he was not discouraged. In the midst of challenges Nehemiah prayed to God and was ready to defend. (Neh. 4 9) But that was not the end for him. It is important to pray, but it was not the only thing they needed. To have prayed only would have been presumption and to have watched only would have indicated a deprivation of faith. Campbell, 39) Nehemiah balanced it all, and he was ready for challenges that came along his way. 11. A Man who relies on God When the Jews were opposed, Nehemiah turned to God and prayed to Him. Not only that, he directed his people to rely on Gods strength and readied to fight for the Lord. ( Neh. 4 14) Throughout the course of rebuilding the wall, opposition came. But Nehemiah perpetually prayed to God which tells us that he always relied on God for Gods work. Foullah says that, as a godly leader, Nehemiah was dependent upon God from whom he received his personal support and encouragement, which motivated him enough to succeed. Foullah) What a leader, seeking Gods will and relying on Gods strength rather than self confidence 12. A Man of Compassion and Justice With the poverty situation among the Jews, there were richer people who did business with their fellow brothers. When the rich oppressed the poor in many unjust ways, there was an outcry of the poor against their own Jewish brethren, and Nehemiah declare that. So, he assembled all his Jewish brethren and rebuked all those who treated others unjustly. (Neh. 5 9) Nehemiah was bold to stand up for the poor and rebuke the sins of the rich because of his compassionate and just heart.His justice resulted in taking act ion against any sin immediately. Commenting on Nehemiahs instant reaction with sin Kidner says, Ever realistic, Nehemiah leaves no direction for postponement or for second thoughts, and make sure that the promises are elevate into oaths, properly sworn in the presence of the priests. (Kidner, 97) Nehemiah was a leader who was impartial. He valued all people equally. 13. A Man of Generosity Nehemiah not only spoke for the poor he also shared what he had with others. He fed one hundred and fifty Jews and rulers.Moreover there were others from the nations around them. So, Nehemiah prepared one ox and six sheep daily for them. Also, fowl, and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine was prepared. (Neh. 5 18) 14. A Man of Wisdom When Nehemiah was invited by the enemy to meet in the house of the Lord to talk about business, Nehemiah sensed that he would be in trouble if he went there so he decided not to go. (Neh. 6) This is firmness. Leaders should be sensitive of danger s and should deal with things carefully and wisely. Thats the wisdom Nehemiah had as a leader. 5. A Man who Respects others Though Nehemiah was the governor of Judah and knew Gods Word, he had a high respect for Ezra the scribe and worked together with him. (Neh. 8 1-9) Nehemiah did not ever rule his people as his property but allowed others to serve in different ways. Moreover, he also appointed many leaders in different ways. (Neh. 3) This makes it clear that Nehemiah passing respected others. This is a good attitude for leaders. 16. A Man who is bold for God After Nehemiah returned from Jerusalem he found that Eliashib repared a fashion for Tobiah in the courts of the house of God. Nehemiah was angry and threw all the household goods of Tobiah out of the room and commanded the room to be cleansed. He also found out that the Levites had not been given their portions. So, Nehemiah gathered the leaders and commanded that portions for Levites should be brought to the house of the Lord. (Neh. 13 1-13) Moreover, Nehemiah powerfully forced the people to observe the Sabbath, and gave warning to those who broke the law. (Neh. 13 21) He also contended with the Jews who married foreign women.Nehemiah cursed them, struck some of them, and pulled out their hair, and made them swear in Gods name that they should not allow their sons and daughters to intermarrying with foreigners. (Neh. 13 25) It is evident that Nehemiah was bold for the things of the Lord. His actions would not be necessarily bad for that time period, in that culture and with the situations. If Nehemiah was bold enough to do that, it shows that he was right in doing what he did because no one was against what he did. As a leader, dealing with problems takes courage and Nehemiah did it successfully.Moreover, he cleansed every heathenish thing and assigned duties to the priests and the Levites, each to his service. (Neh. 13 30) 17. A Man with a Thankful Heart After the wall was completed they dedicate d it to the Lord. They noteworthy the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgiving and singing. (Neh. 12 27) Nehemiah brought the leaders of Judah up on the wall, and appointed two large thanksgiving choirs. (Neh. 12 31) This shows that Nehemiah always opineed how he prayed to God from the very start, and now he came to God with a appreciative heart because God allowed him to complete his project.The city was full of joy at the day of dedication. McIntire comments of Nehemiahs joyful heart saying, The fullness of the joy of Jerusalem is in the heart of Nehemiah, too. Speaking of the people upon the walls, he says, So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and half of the rulers with me. Jerusalem is a city of joy. Jerusalem is the city of the king. Jerusalem is the holy city. (McIntire, 99-100) A godly leader will always remember Gods goodness and will worship God with a thankful heart. 18. A Man of lowliness In whatever he did Nehemia h did not seek fame or popularity.He did what he ought to do with humility. Talking about Nehemiahs humility Maciariello says it well some(prenominal) his strengths or weaknesses of character, Nehemiah does not seek temporal rewards. Although, after completing the city wall, he leads remarkable religious and social reforms during his two terms as governor of Judah, his account ends with a simple request that God remember his deeds on behalf of the people Remember me, O my God, for good (Neh 1331). Nehemiahs behavior exemplifies the Christ-exalting characteristics of leadership enumerated in this article (sincerity, tenacity, mood, scope, realm, and rewards).His example endures as proofread of the wisdom of godly principles of leadership and caution. (Maciariello, 8) What can we Learn from Nehemiah The story of Nehemiah gives us an extraordinary example of a servant-leader motivated and acting for Gods ends. It also provides an example of the use of godly means in the pursuit of excellence in leadership and management, and the focus upon achieving positive results. Looking at the footsteps Nehemiah left for the generation to come is incredible. What a great model of leadership he was Today in the Christian and secular world, there are great things that need taken care of.How are we going to begin the process? I believe the only way to begin is to turn our hearts to the Lord as a leader, and motivate others to do so. It is so evident from Nehemiahs life that without God nothing is possible. Mans strength is unreliable and weak in itself, but God is infallible, mighty, and powerful. So, leaders should trust God in everything. Thats what Nehemiah did The leadership qualities of Nehemiah mentioned above are important for leaders in communities, Churches, and any Christian organization. The only way to begin is to fear the Lord and submit ourselves to Him.If we honestly take God seriously, I believe the other leadership qualities will be evident in our lives. T he problem with leaders today in the secular and Christian world is the lack of the fear of God. We fail time and time again because we try to do things by our own strength. The Psalmist says it well in Psalm 1271, Except the nobleman build the house, they labour in vain that build it except the master keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. Let us remember that God is the source of every good thing, and to make the world better we have to turn to the Lord.Leaders should seek God first for wisdom and misgiving in all they do. I believe there will be a difference in community, society, churches and any ministry if God is the first and first priority that every leader seeks as Nehemiah did. Bibliography Benware, Paul N. Survey of the onetime(a) Testament. Chicago, Il Moody, 1993. Campbell, Donald K. Nehemiah Man in Charge. Wheaton, Il Victor, 1979. Foullah, Leopold A. The Characteristics of Good Leadership. Ezine Articles. Web. . Getz, Gene A. Nehemiah A Man of Prayer a nd Persistance. Ventura, CA Regal, 1981.Jensen, Irving L. Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. Chicago, Il Moody, 1970. Kidner, Derek. Ezra, Nehemiah. Leicester, England Inter-Varsity, 1979. Maciariello, Joseph. Lessons in leadership and management from Nehemiah. BNET, Oct. 2003. Web. . McGee, J. Vernon. Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. Nashville. TN Thomas Nelson, 1991. McIntire, Carl. The Wall of Jerusalem is Broken Down. Collingswood, NJ Christian Beacon, 1954. Stewart, Paul A. Nehemiah the Involved Layman. Glendale, Ca Gospel Light, 1974. Sueme, Richard H. Nehemiah Gods Builder. Chicago, Il Moody, 1978. Swindoll, Charles R.Hand Me Another Brick. Nashville, TN W Group, 1998. Syme, George S. Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. Denver, CO Accent-B/P Publications, 1981. Walvoord, John F. , and Roy B. Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary The Old Testament, conscientious objector Springs, Colorado Victor, 1983. Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary Ole Testament History (Joshua-Esther). Colorado Springs , CO Victor, 2003. Williamson, H. G. M. Israel In The Books of Chronicles. New York, NY Cambridge UP, 1977. Knoblet, Jerry. Exile and Restoration. Bradley, WV Appalachian Bible College, 2010.