Nehemiah—The Godly Administrator

The godly manager has a calling from God, a character developed by God in him, and conduct that also reflects the Lord.

He empathizes with his employees—Nehemiah 1:5

Understand the concept of authority—Nehemiah 1:5

Servant heart—Nehemiah 1:6

Humility—Nehemiah 1:6–7

Responsibility—Nehemiah 1:6–7

Faithfulness—Nehemiah 1:8–9

Self-control—Nehemiah 2:2–3

Loyalty—Nehemiah 2:5

Foresight—Nehemiah 2:6–8

Initiative—Nehemiah 2:7–9

Wisdom—Nehemiah 2:11–16

Makes a team—Nehemiah 2:17–18

Organization—Nehemiah 3:1–32

Leadership—Nehemiah 4:13–14

Discernment—Nehemiah 4:19–20

Decision—Nehemiah 4:22

Justice—Nehemiah 5:6–7

The purpose of your job should not just be to fulfill your goals, but to fulfill God’s purpose for you. —June Hunt

“ Ever since I lost my job, I have been very irritable, which is not normal for me. Why am I so angry?

He hasn’t necessarily changed his character, but he must be experiencing a temporary reaction caused by the stress of having lost the security of a job. There are four basic causes for anger: hurt, injustice, fear, and frustration.

If you are experiencing one or more of these emotions, then your anger may be coming from her. Once you’ve identified the source of your anger, you can make a plan to confront the root cause, and you’ll soon find that you can handle it well. Anger is like a warning signal on your car’s dashboard alerting you that there’s a problem inside. Anger alerts you to the problem within your thoughts, emotions, body, and/or spirit.

First of all, identify the root of the problem and then cooperate with the Lord. As you apply his truths, allow him to make the “repair” you need.

“Be angry, but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26–27)

List of complaints

Many people are dissatisfied in their work because…

  • The salary is very low.
  • There is no opportunity for growth.
  • There are not enough benefits.
  • The stress level is very high.
  • The day is too long.
  • The job does not offer any challenges.
  • The location is not convenient.
  • They do not have enough responsibility.
  • Management is incompetent.
  • They have too much responsibility.
  • The boss is very demanding.
  • Working conditions are depressing.
  • Co-workers are not nice.
  • There is no challenge to reach the goals.
  • There is no security of keeping the job.

“Do everything without grumbling and strife, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:14-15)

Consider making a change

When you lose your job

  • Because it has been superseded by some technological advance
  • Due to staff cuts due to losses in the market
  • Due to a physical disability

When you need more income due to a change in your lifestyle

  • Divorce
  • Death of the spouse
  • Increase in the number of family members or responsibilities

When Your Best Isn’t Enough

  • Evaluate your level of effort.
  • Assess your attitudes.
  • Assess your preparation and natural abilities.

When you feel pressured to compromise your principles

key verse to memorize

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” (Colossians 3:23)

Key passage to read and meditate

The book of nehemiah success vs. stress

See your job from God’s perspective. (Colossians 3:22-25)

Accept that God directs the events of his life. (Jeremiah 10:23)

Lower your expectations; there is no perfect job. (Genesis 3:17-18)

Begin each morning in prayer and give the day to God. (Psalms 118:24)

Pray for your employer and for your co-workers. (1 Samuel 12:23)

Let Christ reflect through you each day. (Philippians 2:13)

Learn how to make the right requests of your employer. (Proverbs 22:11)

Put your future in God’s hands. (Matthew 6:25-27)

“And he said to me: My grace is sufficient for you; because my power is perfected in weakness. Therefore, I will rather glory in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Learn how to make requests properly

Authority—Am I submitting to the God-given authority of my employer?” (Ephesians 6:5–9)

Position—Am I fulfilling my responsibilities? (1 Samuel 15:22)

Purpose—Are my motivations pure? (Job 8:6)

Interviews— Do I have a positive attitude in the interview, do I handle my personal convictions well? (Proverbs 16:23)

Acceptance—Am I ready to accept any answer from the Lord? (Proverbs 21:1)

Loyalty—Am I still loyal to my employer even though they have rejected my offer? (Ruth 1:16)

“He who loves purity of heart, by the grace of his lips will have the friendship of the king.” (Proverbs 22:11)