Many times in our lives we get unintentionally distracted. It can be our kids programs, doctor’s appointments, or anything on the calendar that eats up every minute of the day. In a world where there is no slowing down for our busy schedules, we need to be careful not to overlook the essential ministries the Lord has called us to: our family, our church, and our community.
As our nation faces the challenges of Hurricane Relief from Harvey and soon Irma, lets look now together at Nehemiah’s response to help meet the needs of his community as they too were suffering with the basic necessities.
1. Compassion for others determines our actions
2. Pursuit for justice determines our actions
3. Reverence for God determines our actions
(1) God’s reputation before the nations
(2) Leaders must set a good example; their character must reflect the character of the God they serve
Application
#1 – SELF-ABNEGATION
Philippians 2:3-7
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
#2 – DO SOMETHING
1 John 3:16-18
16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
#3 – BE A PERSON OF CHARACTER
Ephesians 5:8-16
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.