even the smallest tasks

There are so many outstanding leaders in the Bible, but one of my favorites is Nehemiah. The Lord appointed him to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem which he accomplished joyfully. Nehemiah exhibited tremendous wisdom, faithfulness, perseverance, and leadership. He allocated work to everyone that was willing, therefore inviting hundreds to serve the Lord. As I read through chapters 1&2 I’m encouraged by Nehemiah’s courage & obedience and astounded at the Lord’s provision, so 3:5 is brings the positivity to a halt.

Nehemiah 3:5 “but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord”

Everyone up until now has been eager to partake in the construction. These nobles are missing out on kingdom work!! After reading this passage, I was prompted to check my own attitude. There are definitely times where, like the nobles, my pride & unavailability prevent me from building the kingdom of God. Our human tendency is to devote all of our energy, speech, & time to building our own kingdom, but Christ has called us to take part in an everlasting project. Yes, the fruit of those efforts will be reaped for all of eternity.

WHAT IS MEANT BY THE TERM 'TASK'

So, what is this “task” I’m referring to?? I’m talking about the individualized, God-given role that YOU get to play in His story. Your assignment may look different than your neighbors,’ but brings glory to God nonetheless. For Nehemiah, physical labor was required. The Lord appointed him to organize and execute a construction project. The large quantity of workers drew attention and their faithfulness provoked curiosity within the bystanders. Whatever the Lord is calling you to will undoubtedly require sacrifice, perseverance, and diligence too.

HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR TASK

I believe the answer to this question is 3 parts

1— INFLUENCE— What unique situations has the Lord placed you in?? (ex— you’re the only Christian influence in someone’s life; you’re the President of a club & can use that platform to display and proclaim truth)

2— GIFTS— In what areas has God gifted you ??

See 1 corinthians 12:1-11 for more on this !! Do not let your gift go to waste!

3— PRAYER— Ask the Lord to show you people and places in your life where you can be a light! He will give you courage (Deuteronomy 31:6) and direct your path (Psalm 32:8).

THE PRIME EXAMPLE

Christ has already set the standard.

Phil 2:5-8 “have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of god, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

This is great challenge for me. There’s no task too insignificant. Lord, even what I consider busy work or dirty work is kingdom work nonetheless. I need you to restore and energize my desires—> Phil 2:13 “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Yes lord, drive my intentions and actions. Give me a humble heart & eager spirit like yours. If Jesus, who in the Trinity is with God, forsake equality, who am I to even attempt to achieve such a similarity. I need humility. I don’t want to be found on the sidelines when there’s an opportunity to serve my God. In fact, I wanna be the first one rolling up my sleeves. Teach me obedience. Find me faithful. I’ll do the small things with great joy because it’s an honor to serve my father

Phil 2:16 "holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain”