How can we prioritize community service like those in Nehemiah 11:3? A snapshot from Nehemiah 11:3 “ These are the heads of the province who stayed in Jerusalem (but in the towns of Judah each lived on his own property in their towns—Israel, the priests, the Levites, the temple servants, and the descendants of Solomon’s servants). ” • After the wall was rebuilt, leaders willingly relocated to Jerusalem so the city could flourish again. • The verse sets a contrast: some remained in their hometowns, but a committed core placed the community’s needs above personal preference. • Their move ensured worship, governance, and daily life in Jerusalem would thrive. What the settlers teach us about community service • Service begins with willingness. These leaders “stayed”—a conscious choice to put God’s mission first (cf. Isaiah 6:8). • Service may cost us personal comfort: leaving familiar homes, routines, or security (Luke 9:23). • Service strengthens the whole body of God’s people. Their presence in Jerusalem blessed everyone in Judah, not just city residents (1 Corinthians 12:26). • Service is varied. The list includes civil leaders, priests, Levites, and temple servants; every role mattered (Romans 12:4–5). Practical ways to prioritize service today 1. Recognize need: • Walk your neighborhood, listen to local news, talk with church members to spot gaps—just as Nehemiah surveyed the wall (Nehemiah 2:13). 2. Offer yourself first, then your skills: • Time, presence, and prayerful availability often outweigh specialized ability. The settlers’ first gift was simply relocating. 3. Start where you are: • Serve within your congregation—children’s ministry, maintenance, hospitality. • Extend to the community—food banks, tutoring, nursing-home visits. 4. Build partnerships: • Collaborate with believers who have complementary gifts (Ephesians 4:16). • Work alongside civic organizations when goals align with biblical compassion. 5. Schedule service: • Block regular slots on the calendar just as seriously as work or family events (Ephesians 5:15–16). 6. Embrace sacrifice cheerfully: • Adjust budgets, leisure, or commute if needed. Philippians 2:3–4 calls us to “consider others more important than yourselves.” 7. Celebrate progress: • Share testimonies and milestones so the whole church is encouraged, mirroring Nehemiah’s public reading of lists (Nehemiah 7:5). Scriptures that reinforce the call • Galatians 6:9–10 — “Let us not grow weary in doing good… as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to the household of faith.” • 1 Peter 4:10 — “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” • Acts 2:44–45 — Early believers “were together and had all things in common,” meeting needs willingly. • James 2:15–17 — Faith proves itself genuine through practical care. A final word of encouragement The heads of the province in Nehemiah 11:3 didn’t chase recognition; they pursued obedience. As we make room in our schedules, budgets, and hearts for community service, we mirror their faith and display Christ’s love to a watching world. |
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