Another Year of Choices
By Barbara Dahlgren
In our last blog we discussed the importance of doing our part by participating in what God is doing. Sometimes our part can mean partnering with others doing God’s work. “Partner” is defined as one who takes part in an undertaking with others. We don’t always need some new idea. We don’t always have to be the one in charge. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with others who are headed in the right direction.
The example of Nehemiah rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem comes to mind. While living in Persia, Nehemiah heard about the plight of his fellow Jews who had been allowed to return to Jerusalem after years of captivity. Nehemiah felt God calling him back to his homeland to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. When he got there the city was in ruins. It would be a daunting task to get everyone on board to rebuild. So first he enlisted the help of the leadership – then others.
Now usually when we see a list of names in the Bible we skip over them. But if we read Nehemiah 3 carefully, we see rulers, priests, nobles, and officials working alongside all the merchants, farmers, and laymen. Notice the many times the phrase “next to him” is used. Everyone, regardless of rank or status, was working together, doing the hard labor to get the job done. People came from other cities and even the women were working with them. (Nehemiah 3:12) There may have been craftsmen for certain jobs but many learned how to do things as they went along. Others probably picked up the stones, kept tools sharpened, brought the lunch, or passed out drinks of water, but they all did their small part, working together, to rebuild the wall. (Nehemiah 4:6)
Sure there were some who chose to stand on the sidelines, cause problems, and “nay-say” about what was going on. Such was the case when Ezra was rebuilding the temple as well.
Here again we have many working together to get this job done. Specialized skills were needed by masons and carpenters. Those who did not have such skills contributed by providing “meat, and drink, and oil.” (Ezra 3:7) Others gave “freewill offerings” to support the project. (Ezra 2:68) In other words, it was the work of all the people – partnering together and contributing in one way or another.
However, rebuilding the temple was a slow process with many setbacks. Opponents tried to squelch the efforts. Some old-timers lamented that the size and grandeur of this temple would never equal the first. (Haggai 2:3) Workers were getting discouraged and thought, “What’s the use?” What they were doing seemed pitiful and small. But God had a different perspective. He encouraged them to take heart and assured them the temple would be completed. Then He asked a rhetorical question containing a life lesson for all of us. “For who has despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10) In the eyes of the people this work may have seemed pitiful and small, yet it was God’s work all the same.
Consider this… Sometimes what we are doing may seem insignificant and small – but not in God’s eyes. The important thing is to be a part of what He has going on. Why not participate or partner with those who are doing God’s work? Those sitting on the sidelines are tempted to criticize and lose out on God’s blessings!
Suggestions for practicing this choice…
- Find a worthy cause close to your heart and get involved. We were created to do good works, but not alone. (Ephesians 2:10) The Bible says, “Two are better than one” because they can get more done. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) If one falls, the other can pick him up.
- Don’t be a loner. We can accomplish more working together – especially when God is involved. “One can chase a thousand while two can chase ten thousand.” (Deuteronomy 32:29-30)
- Be a team player. Don’t always think your way is the only way to accomplish something. Team means: Together (T) Everyone (E) Achieves (A) More (M)
- Learn to “play well with others.” A sportscaster once said, “You don’t win with the best talent; you win with five players who are able to play well together.”
- We were not created to be alone. We were created for relationships so “partner” with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! You’ll be glad you did.
