Nehemiah embodied the core value of GENEROSITY – givingaway what God has given us. One of the marks of a life that is godly is a life of generosity.
Nehemiah 5:14-15, Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year until the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the governor’s provisions. 15 But the former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people, and took from them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver. Yes, even their servants bore rule over the people, but I did not do so, because of the fear of God.
Unlike the former governors, Nehemiah used his personal prosperity, power, and position, to bless others instead of himself. Nehemiah 5:15 “…because of the fear of God.”
Nehemiah knew that he was not the owner but rather the steward of the resources God had given him. 1 Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”
Instead of living selfishly, Nehemiah lived generously for kingdom priorities. Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Nehemiah 5:16-18, Indeed, I also continued the work on this wall, and we did not buy any land. All my servants were gathered there for the work. 17 And at my table were one hundred and fifty Jews and rulers, besides those who came to us from the nations around us. 18 Now that which was prepared daily was one ox and six choice sheep. Also fowl were prepared for me, and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine. Yet in spite of this I did not demand the governor’s provisions, because the bondage was heavy on this people.
Nehemiah took personal responsibility to live generously to bless those living in poverty. God blesses you so that He can bless others through you.
A core value of Christianity has always been generosity. It was a distinguishing characteristic of early Christianity. Acts 2:44-45, “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”
The biblical role of government is to provide protection for its citizens from violence, both on the outside and the inside.
It is not the responsibility of government but rather God’s people to provide for those in need. Acts 4:34-35 “Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.”
A real solution to become more generous…
Budget your life to live on 80%, save 10% and give away 10%. God will one day reward us according to our faithfulness. Nehemiah 5:19, “Remember me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.”