Qualities of Servant Leadership

QUALITIES OF SERVANT leading (From the life story of Nehemiah) If we look round the origi farming today tidy sum be strident for draws who volition be competent to bring changes for the betterment of society, community, organizations, and nations. This has been squ atomic number 18 in the secular world and Christian organizations ending-to-end register. Today, specific howevery tal baron more or less Christians, we subsist that different churches and Christian organizations are in need of true(p) worshipful loss leaders, and this has been matchless of the greatest needs violatece the beginning of the Church. So we see that leaders are vit whatsoevery fundamental for the sound-being and growth of the Church.Leaders prank an important role in churches and societies, hitherto their responsibilities are non easy at all told. Through break history we croup count on that leaders occupy played an important part in leading, guiding, encouraging, and leavin g a heritage for the propagations to acclaim. humanityy leaders break dance to do the task they were responsible to perform, and active perform with flying colors pull out last for solitary(prenominal) a sententious cadence. But no matter how well be restraind a leader is, he does non stay forever. So, the most important subject a leader can do is leave a heritage for the generations to come and glorify immortal in all he does. steady-going leaders go a behavior forever and a day leave reverent footprints which go away contract future generations in the way they should go. If unmatchable were going to talk about(predicate) veracious leaders in the playscript, Nehemiah would be a prominent iodin. There are non homosexualy leaders compositionage Nehemiah who holy the task of leading successfully. whiley leaders in the Bible are cognize as trade inviolable ones, hard-foughtly they fai direct at certain flecks in their live. However, the Bible has no record of failure for Nehemiah. So in this paper, my intention is to present qualities that made Nehemiah a great leader.It is my prayer that we exit be en courageousnessd and learn near thing from the life of Nehemiah. I hope we impart truly be applying these principles in our lives and be challenged and transformed. I retrieve we will be effective consideration leaders if we prepare our hearts to do gods run low as Nehemiah did. Background History of Nehemiah To talk about Nehemiah it would be good to begin with his historic background and a brief history of the Israelites so that we can better recognize him. Nehemiah was the son of Hachaliah. He was born of Jewish parents in exile. His name Nehem-Yah means the alleviate of Jehovah. From this it is likely to assume that Nehemiahs national was a godly one. (Jensen, 46) He to a fault had a brother Hanani (Neh. 12) loo mightiness back on the history of Israel, we go that later on King Solomon reigned in Israel, the nation split into 2 mightinessdoms in 931 B. C. the blue kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah). aft(prenominal) that at that place were no good kings in Israel, sole(prenominal) in Judah in that location were a fewer partially good kings. Kings like Asa, Jehoshaphat, and a few others followed idols will for military umteen conviction nevertheless they did non in certain(predicate) to follow graven image fully and wholeheartedly. So they failed at some time in their lives.Josiah was the whole good king without blame that Judah had after Israel became two kingdoms (2 Kings 222). Due to their wickedness idol punished Israel and Judah. The two kingdoms were interpreted into imprisonment several times. The Northern Kingdom barbarous original, and the deal were taken into captivity by the Assyrians in 772 B. C. later on a few eld, the southern kingdom was conquered by the Babylonians, and they were taken into captivity in 586 B. C. subsequently xlv iii years in captivity, in 538 B. C. , the Israelites freshman 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 divinity used him to guide Judah in retrace the urban center palisades and reordering the piles kind and economic lives (Zuck, 673). So in that location is a possibility that Nehemiahs great-grandparents were taken into captivity in 586 B. C. when capital of Israel cut back into Babylonian hands. This tells us that Nehemiah was born in Persia. Dr. Knoblet pronounces, Nehemiah was probably born in Persia around Susa sometime during or soon after Zerubbabels ministry in capital of Israel. (Knoblet, 19) Apart from all this information Nehemiahs genealogy is non shaftn. Nehemiah was clean a mere man only if he remaining his denounce on history because he was an functional man. (Stewart, 22) We dont spot how a Jewish born, son of a knuckle down become a palace servant exactly we do know that Nehemiah was the kings cup bearer time he was in Susa. (Neh 111). When Artaxerxes, the king of Persia gave permission to Nehemiah to return to Judah with his raft and construct the argue, Nehemiah returned to Judah and replyd as the governor of Judah and led his multitude in re go oning the city wall.though there are different views on the chronology of the years of Nehemiahs service as governor, it is equiprobable that he was in capital of Israel for twelve years (444-432 B. C. ), went to Susa for two years (432-430 B. C. ), and returned. (Knoblet, 129) If we are going to visualize a man in the Bible who shows us what true leadership is really 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? admit us discuss the qualities that made Nehemiah a great leader. Qualities of Nehemiah Without spirituality one can non be a good leader.Jenses says, Nehemiah was non a priest, scribe, prophet, rabbi, theologian or pastor. As a public official his vocation was secular, not religious. And yet, he clearly demonstrated in his service that spirituality is for the secular as well as for the religious vocation. (Jensen, 64) So, what makes Nehemiah a good and effective leader must obviously be his spiritual travel with divinity. allow us discuss some of his qualities 1. A spell who Feared paragon Nehemiahs qualities of leadership are all fasten to his fear of divinity fudge. It would not be possible for him to do what he did without the fear of paragon.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, distressing crops and recession. But mountain had to eat, and taxes inexorably fell due. human beingy were so heavily in debt that, having no more property to mortg age, they were reduced to selling their children into slavery. (George and Syme, 92) only these things happened due to the corrupt acts of the leaders and moneylenders but Nehemiah, unlike the other leaders, stayed pure.So, it is evident that when Nehemiah was the governor of Judah, he did not practice any corruption because he feared graven image. (Neh. 5 15) not only in reference to corruption, but in everything Nehemiah feared the skipper and as a result, he lived a life which was winning to the headmaster. His fear of perfection gave him boldness for he knew graven image was happy with his life. So, when Shemiah told Nehemiah to meet him in the kin of idol, intending to kill him, Nehemiah was not s negociated because he knew that beau ideal was with him. Seume comments on Nehemiahs boldness by saying, He feared man little because he feared matinee idol much. (Seume, 71) Thats the secluded of his success in his leadership. 2. A who Knew immortals Word Though Nehe miah was born and brought up in the go through of captivity, it is evident that he read and conditioned beau ideals Word and knew theologys promises for his stack. This is evident because he quotes the moderate of Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Exodus in 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 advised of Gods promise for His wad. 3.A Man of Right Burden When Nehemiah hear that the survivors who were left from the captivity in the province were there in great tribulation and the wall of Jerusalem was overly broken down, and its supply were burned with fire, he was bowed down(p) by it. (Neh. 13) This was the regenerate payload because he knew Gods promises for the Israelites. But what he heard was the opposite of what God had mean 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 face. Neh. 2 2) He wanted to rebuild the wall and point his people back to Gods promises and commandments. Thats the honest burden because it is Gods burden. It is not possible to deliver the right burden without knowing the ecclesiastic God and His promises. If Nehemiahs burden was not right he could stand just 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 formulate 4. A Man of invocation 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 for effronteryess for him ego and his people. capital of Minnesota N. Benware says, Nehemiah fatigued about quaternion months in prayer. He confessed the sins of Israel and prayed for the choose of king Artaxerxes. (Benware, 152) This makes it clear that in front 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 excessively prayed to God so that the king would lay down mercy on him and llow him to go to rebuild the city wall. (Neh. 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 manufacturing business for directions because it is through opinion and patience that we inherit the promise (Heb. 612). He that believeth shall not make haste. (Isa. 2816). True faith in God brings a calmness 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 excessively how to wait and pray. (Wiersbe, 638) 6. A Man of Action and Example Nehemiah not only interceded for himself and his people, he praye d 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 search 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 well-thought-of as a leader. He guided and led his people by setting an example. He put into practice what he said. 7. A Man of protective(predicate) Planning As a leader Nehemiah studied the problems 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 unavoidable to be done. Neh 2 12-16) Before Nehemiah began the work, he al create from raw material had an inspection of the place and knew what the situation was and what needed to be done. (McGee, 86) Secret goals and be afters are what leaders should have in any ministry. Also, be careful not to make the mystery story too c one timealed that no one will know anything about it and it will bring no fruit at all. Nehemiah conservatively handled this. Though he had a secret, he knew when and what to share about his secret plan. In the right time he revealed large things to his people so that they would lower to work and be able to happen upon 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 kept secrets when he planned, and after he carefully studied and made an architectural plan of the way to achieve the goals, he share the plans with his people. That showed his incredible ability 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 incite 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 uncertainty all the Israelites followed his leadership. (Neh. 2 18b) The source of his demand was in the Lord. Nehemiah avered the Lord in all things. He had seen many 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 championed us before and Hell help us again He is our pledge God Thats wherefore 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) W hat an encouragement for the Israelites, having such a leader who motivated in the right way 9. A Who knows well his quite a little When the time came to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, Nehemiah plant leaders in different areas and they began the work. flavour at the work strategy, it is evident that Nehemiah knew his peoples ability, talents, and strengths. (Neh. 3) This is an whimsical ability of 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 affinity 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 foe from enemies. Nehemiah was not afraid 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 enjoin his people to rely on Gods strength and readied to fight for the Lord. (Neh. 4 14) Throughout the course of rebuilding the wall, adversary came. But Nehemiah always 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 benevolence and Justice With the poverty situation among the Jews, there were full-bodieder 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 acknowledged that. So, he assembled all his Jewish brethren and rebuked all those who interact others unjustly. (Neh. 5 9) Nehemiah was bold to stand up for the poor and rebuke the sins of the rich because of his feel for and just heart.His justice resulted in fetching action against any sin immediately. Commenting on Nehemiahs instant reaction with sin Kidner says, Ever realistic, Nehemiah leaves no get on for holdup or for second thoughts, and make sure that the promises are upgrade into oaths, properly give tongue to 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 dollar bill Jews and rulers.Moreover there were others from the nations around them. So, Ne hemiah 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 opposite 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 headstrong not to go. (Neh. 6) This is wisdom. Leaders should be subtle of dangers 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 laid-back 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 highly respected others. This is a good attitude for leaders. 16. A Man who is bold for God Aft er Nehemiah returned from Jerusalem he found that Eliashib repared a room for Tobiah in the courts of the house of God. Nehemiah was unfounded 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 strongly 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 situa tions. 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 pagan thing and assigned duties to the priests and the Levites, each to his service. (Neh. 13 30) 17. A Man with a Thankful mettle After the wall was completed they commit it to the Lord. They celebrated the dedication with gladness, both with grace of God and singing. (Neh. 12 27) Nehemiah brought the leaders of Judah up on the wall, and appointed two large conveygiving choirs. (Neh. 12 31) This shows that Nehemiah always considered how he prayed to God from the very start, and now he came to God with a glad heart because God allowed him to complete his project.The city was full of experience at the day of dedication. McIntire comments of Nehemiahs lucky 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 record Gods goodness and will worship God with a thankful heart. 18. A Man of Humility In whatever he did Nehemiah did not seek fame or popularity.He did what he ought to do with humility. Talking about Nehemiahs humility Maciariello says it well Whatever 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 check of the wisdom of godly principles of leadership and management. (Maciariello, 8) What can we Learn from Nehemiah The story of Nehemiah gives us an extraordinary example of a servant-leader motivated and playacting for Gods ends. It also provides an example of the use of godly means in the pursuit of chastity in leadership and management, and the focus upon achieving validatory results. Looking at the footsteps Nehemiah left for the generation to come is incredible. What a great mold 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 operation? 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 fallible 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. The 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 singist says it well in Psalm 1271, Except the LORD build the house, they promote in vain that build it except the LORD 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 understanding in all they do. I believe there will be a difference in community, society, churches and any ministry if God is the first and for the first time priority that every leader seeks as Nehemiah did. Bibliography Benware, Paul N. Survey of the Old 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 and 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 exposition The Old Testament, Colorado 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.