Page 13 - November 2020 - Truth & Tidings

dominant ethnic group, and overseers entrusted with additional responsibility
should uphold the principle that “there as they grow. It is usually an indictment
is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and of oversight when there is no one to whom
uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, responsibility can be passed.
slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Put
on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and The Compensations of Godly
beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, Leaders
humility, meekness, and patience” (Col As we conclude our series of studies,
3:11-12). it is reasonable to ask whether all
We must avoid spiritual oppression at Nehemiah’s efforts were worthwhile.
all cost. While it is not a democracy, there Having considered the many and varied
is little more debilitating in an assembly difficulties that this faithful servant
than an authoritarian culture of fear of God faced, the question becomes
and intimidation, particularly when it even more poignant from our historical
masquerades as piety. Alarm bells should perspective when we consider how the
ring when saints are afraid to speak up spiritual decline of the nation of Israel
because all “difference” is characterised continued after his time, culminating in
as “dissent” and therefore a carnal cause their rejection and crucifixion of their
of strife and division. Messiah, and their subjugation under
successive world empires, until at last they
The Challenge of Occupation all but ceased to exist as an entity with the
Nehemiah appreciated, as astute leaders destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Given
do, how important it is to maintain such apparent failure, was it worth it?
progress by occupying territory won. Many an overseer has asked the same
Realising how quickly and easily question concerning his own heartache
unconsolidated gains become losses, he and toil, Is it worth it? This is, of course,
ensured that the rebuilt city was owned the wrong question. We ought to ask, Is
and populated without delay (11:1-2). He worth it?
The principle holds good in the spiritual We began our studies by observing
realm. Godly overseers understand that that true spiritual leadership is motivated
spiritual progress is incremental – in by the aim of bringing glory to God;
the life of an assembly and of individual it is about pursuing His interests and
believers – and that each small gain nurturing those things that are precious
must be secured – or lost. For example, to Him.
overseers should not assume that new That this is often at odds with what
converts will instinctively know how to the world prizes is evident from Paul’s
read and pray. Young believers must be ministry. Writing generally about the
encouraged to pursue personal holiness, value of spiritual service, he said, “Each
perhaps needing sympathetic help to one’s work will become manifest, for the
overcome (rather than be overcome Day will disclose it, because it will be
by) addictive habits and destructive revealed by fire, and the fire will test what
attitudes. Developing believers should sort of work each one has done” (1Co
be encouraged to use, not lose, their 3:13). Paul also wrote, “We must all appear
spiritual gifts, and be instructed in and [become manifest] before the judgment
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