52 Days. Day 44, Real Leadership.

Nehemiah 5:14-16 (NKJV) 14 “Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year until the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the governor’s provisions. 15 But the former governors who [were] before me laid burdens on the people, and took from them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver. Yes, even their servants bore rule over the people, but I did not do so, because of the fear of God. 16 Indeed, I also continued the work on this wall, and we did not buy any land. All my servants [were] gathered there for the work.” Nehemiah contrasts his leadership with their former governors. He knows that he has acted with integrity and justice with the people. He knows that he is leading them wisely. It has cost him greatly to do this. But because of his desire to see the work of God done and the people of God prosper, he gladly does it. In Simon Sinek’s great book, Leaders Eat Last, he argues that true leadership is about prioritizing the well-being and safety of the team over personal gain. This is exactly what Nehemiah was doing. If you are in any kind of leadership position (management, a parent, a church ministry leader, business owner, etc.) your success comes by serving those whom you lead with integrity and justice. Look at our Lord for the greatest example. Matthew 23:11 (KJV) “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Give the people that look to you for leadership an example that they’ll want to follow. And in return you will get what you want, the respect that real leadership earns.