I learn leadership by reading Nehemiah. He reminds me of the priority of unity. To acheive the purposes of God, people must work together. Paul understood the same principle. “Only conduct yourselves in a mannner worthy of the gospel of Christ. . .standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27) When the inner unity of a church or a family or a Bible class breaks down, it has to be confronted. Observe Nehemiah in chapter 5 of this week’s Re Verse reading. He knows that disagreements must be honestly faced before God’s people can “get back to work” (the wall, remember?) Confrontation is not a job I like. It requires courage and prayer. It is, however, a job that “comes with the territory” of seeking the purposes of God. Remember Christ cleansing the temple? Confronting Peter? May God give us courage to face issues honestly. It is a necessary step toward peace.
