From this passage we gleaned the following five truths pertaining to strong, helpful leadership:
1. CONSTRUCTIVE LEADERSHIP IS COMMUNICATIVE.
2. CONSTRUCTIVE LEADERSHIP IS CANDID.
3. CONSTRUCTIVE LEADERSHIP IS COLLABORATIVE.
4. CONSTRUCTIVE LEADERSHIP IS CHALLENGING.
5. CONSTRUCTIVE LEADERSHIP IS CONCERNED.
Let us now contemplate five more principles pertaining to constructive leadership. Nehemiah 2:18 says - "And I [Nehemiah] told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king's words that he had spoken to me. So they said, 'Let us rise up and build.' Then they set their hands to this good work."
6. CONSTRUCTIVE LEADERSHIP IS CREDIBLE.
Nehemiah led the Hebrews in a credible way; that is, he explained the situation to them in a truthful, believable way. He did not lie to them in affirming they had the formula for success: God was with them, as was the king (Artaxerxes)!
7. CONSTRUCTIVE LEADERSHIP IS CONVINCING.
The words of Nehemiah persuaded the people; he convinced them. "So they said, 'Let us rise up and build.' Then they set their hands to this good work." Their leader not only motivated them to say the right thing, but also to begin doing the right thing!
Nehemiah 2:19,20 reads - "But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they laughed at us and despised us, and said, 'What is this thing that you are doing? Will you rebel against the king?' So I answered them, and said to them, 'The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no heritage or right or memorial in Jerusalem.'"
8. CONSTRUCTIVE LEADERSHIP IS COMMITTED.
Nehemiah was not deterred by the ridicule of others. He was committed to achieving the goal at hand. Good leaders must not be dissuaded from doing what they know they should. Their commitment should not wane when they are mocked; their plans should not change based upon public opinion.
9. CONSTRUCTIVE LEADERSHIP IS CONFIDENT.
When one is strongly committed to a task, confidence will often naturally follow. Nehemiah affirmed that Jehovah was with them and would bless them in their building efforts. He had no doubt about this, and this truth gave him great confidence (as it should any leader).
10. CONSTRUCTIVE LEADERSHIP IS COURAGEOUS.
Leaders who are confident should also be courageous and not afraid of opposition, no matter how strong they may be. The goal of all leaders should be to please God--no matter what the cost. Nehemiah bravely declared the truth to these scoffers. They had no part in this matter, and God would bless the Hebrews' efforts because they were His servants.
In our roles as leaders, let us learn from Nehemiah's example and endeavor to be strong, helpful leaders (whether the sphere of consideration is the church, the home, or any other institution). In our roles as followers, may we strive for faithful submission, being a blessing to the leaders, and not a burden.