Opportunities to lead comes from your character

Nehemiah 7 says, “I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with ^[a] Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most men do. ³ I said to them, “The gates of Jerusalem are not to be opened until the sun is hot. While the gatekeepers are still on duty, have them shut the doors and bar them. Also appoint residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some near their own houses.”

I have always had a deep desire to lead. I think that God plants those desires in us. Nehemiah is probably one of the perfect Old Testament examples of effective leadership on the part of Nehemiah. He is tasked to rebuild the wall. Once this is completed he picks additional men to assist him in preparations for the celebration. Hananiah is chosen because of his godly character. His integrity and the fact that he feared God more than most mend do!

Many of us want to lead, myself included. But here we see a man who was willing to serve and because of something important he was chosen: He put God first and the rest was added to him.

Pastor Greg just spoke on humility and I see that this man was humble. How? Because it says he had integrity and feared God. Humility is based upon these principles. Once again I am reminded that fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and that integrity brings about opportunity. When we lack integrity the opportunities are taken away. Pastor Greg said ”

“Your giftedness will make a way for you. But your heart will make or break you.”

God, make in me greater integrity and let people say that I was a man who feared you more than most!