Do for Others

Nehemiah 5:14-19 KJV

14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor. 15 But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God. 16 Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work. 17 Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us. 18 Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people. 19 Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.

Here we see Nehemiah setting another great example for us to follow.

As appointed governor, he has certain rights and privileges, but he denies these rights and privileges to stay "one of the people".

He desires not only to be right along with the people, but he does not allow his servants to feel they are better than the poor either. He also not only pays for his own food and such, but he has others join him and feeds them as well.

Nehemiah is not selfish or greedy. He gives up special privileges in order to keep the faith of the people.

Do we give up things for others? As a mother, I often do without so my children can have, but do I do it for those outside my family? We should be willing to do so for others as well.