“Works well with others” can be found on a kindergarten report card. How adults get along with co-workers will be reflected on their performance evaluation at work. Working together will determine the success of a team or a department. Just think of the many things we can do working well together at home and at church! Here are three principles of how to work well with others:
PARTICIPATION
“Next to him” is a phrase found in verses 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of chapter 3. The people chose to participate. They chose to join hearts and hands together to serve the Lord, and they became co-laborers with God.
Some went the extra mile. Verses 11, 19, 21, 24, 27, and 30 include the phrase “repaired another section.” Some worked over and beyond the call of duty. They did not say, “Well, I finished my section of the wall. I have done my part.” They finished and said, “What else can I do?” Baruch is the only one who the Bible says did his work “earnestly” (NIV zealously, v. 20). The Hebrew word means to burn or glow. Too many people do as little as they can get by with. We need to get rid of the “get-by” attitude!
Being a Christian starts at home. Verses 10, 23, 28, and 29 say “in front of his house.” They worked where they lived. It starts at home. Start in your neighborhood. Reach your neighbors. Anyone else want to be like Baruch? Are you willing to go the extra mile and burn with zeal and passion in your service? Are you tired of going through the motions? Friend, kick it up a notch! If the truth were known, most all of us could do a lot more, with a lot more passion, than what we’re doing right now.
COOPERATION
It is one thing to participate, but it is another to cooperate. If you are going to work well with others, it takes teamwork! Talent wins games, but teamwork wins championships! Not all can sing, preach, or teach. We do not have the same talents or gifts, but we can work together, cooperate, support, and encourage each other.
It was a diverse group rebuilding the wall. They came from different occupations and different towns. Some moved debris, some built, some stacked bricks, etc. The church is a diverse group, but we must move in the same direction. Henry Ford said, “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” He also said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”
DEDICATIONn
“Repair” is used 35 times. It means to make strong. We want to build a strong and lasting work.
We want to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. All dedicated themselves to a place of service! They all had a work station.
One day we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of those things done in the flesh, whether it be good or whether it be bad. Live every day ready for the Lord to return. Live a life pleasing to God for eternal rewards. “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). In verse 5, the nobles would not work. Don’t ever let it be said of you that when a great work for God was being done, “He would not help.”
As you glance over Nehemiah chapter 3 you will notice that there are 100 personal names in 32 verses. God knows your name and He does not forget faithful workers!