Nehemiah 3:1-5 - Then Eliashib the high priest and the other priests started to rebuild at the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set up its doors, building the wall as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and the Tower of Hananel. People from the town of Jericho worked next to them, and beyond them was Zaccur son of Imri. The Fish Gate was built by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid the beams, set up its doors, and installed its bolts and bars. Meremoth son of Uriah and grandson of Hakkoz repaired the next section of wall. Beside him were Meshullam son of Berekiah and grandson of Meshezabel, and then Zadok son of Baana. Next were the people from Tekoa, though their leaders refused to work with the construction supervisors. (NLT)
Devotional Series: Business Principles You Didn't Know Were Biblical Principles
If you have ever done any supermarket shopping in the UK at Tesco, you may remember that ‘Every Little Helps’ was once their company slogan. Tesco was trying to make the point that every penny saved from cheaper prices in their stores helps you the customer. I was reminded of this slogan a few years ago as I read Nehemiah 3. Now you may be wondering what does Nehemiah have to do with Tesco? Well, what stuck out to me most was that every contribution to the rebuilding of the Wall mattered. No one’s contribution was seen as greater than any other. Some could only build the section in front of their houses, whilst others could do more.
Nehemiah 3:10-11 - Next Jedaiah son of Harumaph repaired the wall across from his own house, and next to him was Hattush son of Hashabneiah. Then came Malkijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-moab, who repaired another section of the wall and the Tower of the Ovens. (NLT)
Some contributors were named but others were not. But no one’s contribution was forgotten, ignored or belittled. No contribution was wasted. Every contribution helped restore the Wall in Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 3:7 - Next to them were Melatiah from Gibeon, Jadon from Meronoth, people from Gibeon, and people from Mizpah, the headquarters of the governor of the province west of the Euphrates River. (NLT)
As I was reading the text that day, the Holy Spirit began to remind me of people in my local church who had never been on a platform but had contributed to the building of the church in some way. Whether it was by ushering, cleaning, helping out in kids' church, welcoming, hospitality or in the audio team. I imagined the Lord reading out a list including all their names, some still serving in that capacity, others not. I was reminded in that moment that 'Every Little Helps'. Whether it’s for 5 minutes, one day or 50 years for cleaning toilets or leading a small group, it all counts!
Most of us believe that 'Every Little Helps' when it comes to our finances. We try to be mindful of where our pennies go. We fully embrace our Saviour’s command to gather up the fragments so that nothing is wasted when it comes to money.
John 6:12 - So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” (NKJV)
But how many of us use this same mindset in how we treat people? How much do we value the smallest contributions people make to our churches, businesses or workplaces? Are we focused on efficiencies rather than individual contributions? Are we missing something when we ignore the small or limited contributions people make because we take an all or nothing approach? I recently heard a preacher say that Nehemiah took 52 days on a building project that should have taken 10-15 years to complete. Perhaps, one of the reasons why this was possible was because he, being led by the Spirit, gathered up the fragments so that nothing would be lost?
Questions for reflection: Do I value people and their contributions? Have I ignored someone because I thought what they contributed was too little? Do I need to pray for forgiveness where I may have devalued someone’s (or my own) effort or contribution? Have I disqualified myself because I have thought my contribution is irrelevant or too small? Have I asked the Holy Spirit to help me value contributions irrespective of the size and for wisdom in leading people?
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