Selfless Leadership

Scripture Reference: Nehemiah‬ ‭5:14-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “For the entire twelve years that I was governor of Judah—from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of the reign of King Artaxerxes—neither I nor my officials drew on our official food allowance. The former governors, in contrast, had laid heavy burdens on the people, demanding a daily ration of food and wine, besides forty pieces of silver. Even their assistants took advantage of the people. But because I feared God, I did not act that way. I also devoted myself to working on the wall and refused to acquire any land. And I required all my servants to spend time working on the wall. I asked for nothing, even though I regularly fed 150 Jewish officials at my table, besides all the visitors from other lands! The provisions I paid for each day included one ox, six choice sheep or goats, and a large number of poultry. And every ten days we needed a large supply of all kinds of wine. Yet I refused to claim the governor’s food allowance because the people already carried a heavy burden.”‭‭

This is a great example of selfless leadership. I understand the balance of 1 Timothy 5:18 - “ A laborer deserves his wages.” However, Nehemiah understood that during a time of crisis and uncertainty, he needed to set an example of sacrifice, selflessness and generosity. The people of Israel were traumatized by captivity, slavery and oppression. They had experienced self-centered, corrupt leadership. No one would have criticized him for utilizing the governors allowance. That was his right in that position. But he was on a mission from God. A mission of restoration. So he went above and beyond to help heal the hearts of people while they rebuilt the wall. He was rebuilding the internal structure just as much as the external structure. That’s true leadership!