Nehemiah Chapter 5: Verses 14 -15 (NLT)
For the entire twelve years that I was governor of Judah—from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of the reign of King Artaxerxes—neither I nor my officials drew on our official food allowance. The former governors, in contrast, had laid heavy burdens on the people, demanding a daily ration of food and wine, besides forty pieces of silver. Even their assistants took advantage of the people. But because I feared God, I did not act that way.
1 Corinthians Chapter 10: verse 31 (NLT)
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
As Governor of Judah, Nehemiah had the right to a food allowance, but times were hard for the people. He set an example of how to trust God by choosing to act differently to his predecessors and not exerting that right. Paul taught the Corinthian church not to get caught up on what they should eat when visiting other people. Both men knew that as followers of God, and thus His Ambassadors, they had to conduct themselves in the manner that He would expect Him to.
Young Christians are often taught to consider what would Jesus do when they are pondering on a particular course of action. Wise advice. We don’t want anyone to say of us – “I thought they were supposed to be a Christian”. Nehemiah did not discredit his testimony and we should make every effort to do the same. After all we have the Holy Spirit to help and guide us. Let’s determine to follow Nehemiah and Paul’s example, even if we have a right to something, we may choose not to take it, if we feel that’s the proper thing to do.
Dear Lord,
I am grateful for the example of those who live their lives as a testimony of their faith. Help me to follow their example with the help and guidance of Your Holy Spirit. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.