Effective leadership takes constant vigilance
Nehemiah had done an incredible job of leading his people in rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. Count all the ways: 1) He had planned the task, 2) shared his vision, 3) given specific assignments, 4) motivated workers, 5) overcome opposition, 6) followed through, and 7) celebrated the accomplishment. Thanks to his effective leadership, the Israelites completed a mission that seemed overwhelming at first in just 52 days. Wow!
Nehemiah then returned to his former assignment in Babylon as the king’s cupbearer…undoubtedly feeling gratified about what the nation had achieved. However, “some time later” he returned to Jerusalem and, to his disappointment, discovered serious problems had surfaced in his absence.
Problems arise
For starters, a priest had turned one of the large temple storerooms into a free apartment for one of his close friends. And, since the people were not tithing from their profits, the Levites and musicians had to take secular work to provide for their families. Thus, they were neglecting their service in the temple. Of even greater concern: the desecration of the Sabbath. The Israelites were treading winepresses, loading grain and selling merchandise as though the Sabbath was just another, ordinary day of the week.
During Nehemiah’s absence, the most troubling issue that arose involved intermarriage between the men of Judah and foreign women who followed other religions: “Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod…and did not know how to speak the language of Judah” (Nehemiah 13:24).
The temptation to rest
Nehemiah’s experience illustrates that leadership takes constant vigilance. No matter how significant the accomplishment, leaders always face a temptation to let up because we’re exhausted and eager to rest. Nehemiah could have easily thrown up his hands in disgust and headed back to Babylon mumbling, “If that’s the thanks I get, I’m quitting.” But he didn’t.
Instead, Nehemiah took swift, decisive—and sometimes dramatic—action to correct the problems. He purified the temple, reinstituted the tithe, demanded respect for the Sabbath, and set the people back on the right track. He wrote, “So I purified the priests and the Levites of everything foreign and assigned them duties, each to his own task” (verse 30).
Godly, long-term leaders must demonstrate the same kind of tirelessness. They can seldom say things like:
- “My job is over; everything is perfect.”
- “My children are disciplined.”
- “The entire class understands this lesson.”
- “The whole team is ready to play.”
- “Everyone in the office is behind this 100 percent.”
- “All our customers are totally satisfied.”
Weeding gardens
The truth is leadership takes constant vigilance, even in the best of organizations. Just as a garden doesn’t stay weeded for long, people don’t remain virtuous. Leaders must correct mistakes every day. They will face disgruntled people and financial issues every day.
President Ronald Reagan had an exceptional ability to stay positive in spite of troubles. As president he confronted horrendous problems every day…he was himself the victim of an attempted assassination. Yet President Reagan could still look into a television camera and inspire the audience with speeches about America’s “exceptionalism” and how its citizens were privileged to live in the greatest nation in the world.
Good leaders must remain vigilant daily without getting discouraged. And, at the same time keep an eye on the big picture and see the overall good that is being accomplished. Then when life is over they can plead their case, as did Nehemiah at the end of his book, “Remember me with favor, my God” (verse 31).
Photo source: istock
 | Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More » |
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