Nehemiah chapter 5 verses 17 – 18 (NlV) Furthermore, a hundred and fifty Jews and officials ate at my table, as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations. Each day one ox, six choice sheep and some poultry were prepared for me, and every ten days an abundant supply of wine of all kinds. In spite of all this, I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands were heavy on these people.
1 Corinthians chapter 10 verse 23 (NIV)
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.
Nehemiah knew people were struggling for he fed 150 people out of his own pocket. He could have demanded the rights of a Governor. He was entitled to do so. But he chose compassion and led by example.
We in turn must sometimes put our rights aside to preserve our testimony and make a difference to others. Jesus had the right to be worshipped, yet as we read, He came to earth and assumed none of those rights. How then should we be so adamant at putting our own rights before others? As Paul tells us, it’s not constructive to do so.
Dear Lord,
Nehemiah led by example. Help me to follow that example and do the same. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.