A MIND TO WORK!

A MIND TO WORK!

Neh 4:6

6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

          Nehemiah was on a time schedule! He had told his king that he would rebuild the wall in Jerusalem and then return to his cupbearer’s duties. He had no time to waste and no patience for slackers or distractions. His passion was somehow caught by the people and they attacked the task at hand vigorously. They had a mind to work!

          The word “mind” is the Hebrew word leb which is used broadly to describe strong feelings. It compares to our word “heart.” Any duty can become a drudgery if there is no heart to accomplish it. I’m thinking of the Seven Dwarfs skipping along the forest singing “Whistle While You Work!”

          Any church that decides a program is dead is correct in their evaluation because they have just described their own heart. But any church that decides to try again will succeed because they have found their heart once again. We sometimes call this “revival.” Nehemiah experienced it personally and it infected the hearts of all Jerusalem. This is how rubble is removed and walls are built.

          How’s your heart this morning? Is your church fulfilling your expectations? Perhaps your focus is wrong. Perhaps you need a “mind to work” so that your church can become alive again.

Ps 40:3

3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord .