Personal Responsibility

. . .and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”

(Nehemiah 2:5)

Though Jerusalem was in a shambles, Nehemiah was in a safe place. (Nehemiah 1:1) He was a cupbearer for King Artaxerxes. Yet his concern was for his fellow Jews who were returning to the land of Judah . . . struggling, being made the laughing stock of society.

Are we in a safe place? Despite the struggles of those around us, are we comfortable and unconcerned?

Nehemiah hurt deeply for his people. (Nehemiah 1:4) He could not rest! He pleaded with God for mercy and admitted he too fell short of holiness! (Nehemiah 1:5-9) He was honest with God . . . honest with himself . . . and took personal responsibility!Nehemiah had found favor with the world (Nehemiah 1:11), yet he would use that favor and influence to rebuild not only his people and their city, but also to honor the Lord!

Will we use the influence we have to touch the lives of those less fortunate?

Will we use all we have to bring honor to God in these trying times?

Will we take personal responsibility and not leave it up to someone else as we remain in our safe place?