Why did they pick Sara to be the Sunday School teacher? Why is it that Rob was asked to be responsible for arranging the speakers for the next month? Why did they ask Deanna to look after organizing the monthly hymn sings at the two seniors’ complexes?
Nehemiah was returning to Persia after completing a mission to his homeland. He had orchestrated a massive reconstruction project in Jerusalem. The great city had been wrecked by enemies. Nehemiah spearheaded the rebuilding of the walls and gates of the city. With his excellent leadership skills, he instilled a renewed trust in God among the people. Now it was time for him to return to Persia.
Who would be left in charge?
Nehemiah had his eye on two people who had solid track records of commitment, integrity and God-fearingness. Hanani and Hananiah were given the responsibility to complete the Jerusalem Reconstruction Project – a huge responsibility. But why them? Because Nehemiah knew them and trusted them. Of Hananiah it says:
…Hananiah, commander of the fortress, because he was a faithful man who feared God more than most. Nehemiah 7:2
Faithfulness means consistency, honesty, integrity, reliability and diligence. This quality was further enhanced by his deep commitment to the Lord. In fact, more so than many others, Hananiah put God first in his life. 
Can I be trusted? If there is a job to be done, would anyone ever look at my track record and say:
“Well, you know who would be perfect for that? He can always be counted on to follow through on things. Very consistent! He’s always there when you need him. He hasn’t got a spotty record – on fire for the Lord one week and then off the radar screen the next week! No – we always know what he is up to. He acts so responsibly. He’s not up and down like a yo-yo. Mr. Bible student one month and then clowning around for the next three months. No – we’ve been observing a real solid track record of spiritual growth. He’s just a real blessing to have around! We can trust him with that responsibility. He’s committed.”
We mentioned Hananiah but said nothing about Hanani. He was Nehemiah’s brother. Was it nepotism on Nehemiah’s part – that’s when a leader favours or promotes a family member based primarily on their familial merits? There is nothing proper or healthy about nepotism. It can wreak havoc in Christian circles. It is not spiritual discernment or Godly wisdom when others are overlooked because they don’t have the right last name. But Godly Nehemiah knew that Hanani had demonstrated a burden for the things of God and the city of Jerusalem – perhaps even before those things weighed heavily on his own heart. Read Nehemiah 1. Hanani had a solid track record.
Spiritual responsibilities are not assigned based on seniority i.e. how long a person has been saved or how long they’ve been around. A gray-haired Christian could still be a spiritual neophyte – even though she has seniority. Nor are they assigned because of relationships. No, God’s work is for Christians who are demonstrating faithfulness and spirituality – above and beyond others. That’s why Paul wrote Timothy and said:
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1Timothy 4:12
“Lord, please help me to be consistent in all facets of my life. I want to always be available to You as a vessel to be used for Your purposes. Preserve me and help me to establish good habits. My deepest desire is to be faithful to You and useful to You.”
Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.
Warmly in Christ,
Peter Ramsay
Do you know someone new-in-Christ? They may be interested in signing-up for the series of 20 emails over a two-month period entitled My First Few Weeks in Christ on this website.
New Feature on Heaven4sure.com Titles, with links to all short Gospel videos that appear on this site, are now compiled in one place under the “Watch and Listen” tab on the Homepage. The new page is called: Short Videos of Hope. At some point, you may encounter someone who is searching and in need of Good News from the Bible. You can share this link with them.
P.S. Is it time to replace your little vehicle magnet? Free vehicle magnet 9″X2.5″ (22.5cmX6cm) Advertise heaven4sure.com. Seekers in need of Christ may see it and your magnet may become one link in their salvation story. An inoffensive way to help promote the Gospel in traffic and parking lots. Unlike decals, magnets can be removed easily.
Tabernacle 101 Once-a-week-email study – short and to the point.
Automatic Signatures work! If you include www.heaven4sure.com in your automatic email signature, you will increase the number of visitors to the Gospel site. This is particularly relevant if you are in contact with those who do not yet know Christ.