“being examples to the flock”
Nehemiah 5:14
Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty- second year of Artaxerxes the king, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor. The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration forty shekels of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God. I also persevered in the work on this wall, and we acquired no land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work. Moreover, there were at my table 150 men, Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us. Now what was prepared at my expense for each day was one ox and six choice sheep and birds, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because the service was too heavy on this people. Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.
2 Thessalonians 3:7
For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate
Philippians 3:17
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us
Titus 2:7
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works
Nehemiah had a heart for the people and did not claim rights to what he easily could have. He chose to have the burden fall on him rather than others. He is an example of a true servant. Our best example is Christ who gave His life for us. Yet scripture is full of those who either were examples to follow or not to follow. Searching our heart for what we are keeping for ourselves and what we generously give is a good place to start each day. Asking God to speak to our heart and then having our ears open to where He is leading, topped off with a desire to obey Him is the beginning of bringing honor and glory to Him. I must confess I do not ask myself often enough for His leading in this area but I think it is something to be more diligent in doing. When I read these scriptures I wonder if I am willing to say “imitate me”. A very good question to ask God as you look in the mirror each morning is “what am I doing that people should imitate that brings You honor and glory”. And as well “what am I doing that does not and needs to stop”. Above all else, we all need to have a heart’s desire to “Obey, Honor and Glorify Him”