REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Charles Choe who leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles, was first posted on November 1, 2015.  Charles is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Leadership: A Pace Setter”

Nehemiah 3:28-32 (NASB)

Above the Horse Gate the priests carried out repairs, each in front of his house. 29 After them Zadok the son of Immer carried out repairs in front of his house. And after him Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, carried out repairs. 30 After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section. After him Meshullam the son of Berechiah carried out repairs in front of his own quarters. 31 After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, carried out repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and of the merchants, in front of the Inspection Gate and as far as the upper room of the corner. 32 Between the upper room of the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and the merchants carried out repairs.

Before we know it, it will soon be winter, which also is the time of the year the geese in California begin their journey south to warmer climates. One of the fascinating things about geese is that they normally fly in a V-formation. Geese often cover thousands of miles, working together, in this formation. By flying in a V-formation, the whole flock gets 71% greater flying range than if each goose flew on its own. When one goose gets sick or wounded, two fall out of formation with it and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with the struggler until he’s able to fly again. The geese in the rear of the formation are the ones who do the honking. It’s their way of saying that they’re following and everything’s going well. The continual honks encourage those in front to stay at it. 

Here in our passage, we have more of the same from yesterday; more names, more chronology. But what’s of note in our passage today is how the priests were involved in doing some of the repairing (verse 28). This reminds us that leaders must set the example. By being first out in formation, leaders set the tone for everyone to follow. Not every season of the year will require leaders to have to do some jobs, but there are times when leaders going in the trenches with fellow servants is important.

A priest may have befitted with the dignity of his office, but it does not mean that he can’t pick up rubble or lay brick. No priest or pastor should have problems getting their hands dirty, especially if it doesn’t interfere from the primary duties of teaching and counseling. A leader who is willing to avail themselves to doing the “dirty work” will exemplify what Christ did when he washed his disciples feet the night before he was crucified.

Godly leaders should set the pace. It takes a good team captain, as well as good teammates, to continue to strive in the Lord’s work. Let’s cooperate, let’s lead well and let’s follow our leaders with good faith. In doing so, we bring God glory and honor. It may take hard work to do the Kingdom’s work, but God supplies the grace and strength for us to do it well. Let’s work with passion and joy in the labor of our God.  

Prayer: Dear God, help me to be your servant. If I am leading, help me lead those following well and to you. If I am following, help me to discover the joy of submitting well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:Acts 19