CONSISTENT TRACK RECORD

BIBLE BITES

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CONSISTENT TRACK RECORD

Why did they pick Sara to be the Sunday School teacher?  Why is it that Rob was asked to be responsible for arranging the speakers for the next month? Why did they ask Deanna to be responsible for organizing the monthly hymn sings at the two seniors' complexes?

Nehemiah was returning to Persia after completing a mission to his homeland. He had orchestrated a massive reconstruction project in Jerusalem. The great city had been wrecked by enemies. Nehemiah spearheaded the rebuilding of the walls and gates of the city. With his excellent leadership skills, he instilled a renewed trust in God among the people. Now it was time for him to return to Persia.

Who would be left in charge?

Nehemiah had his eye on two men who had a solid track record of commitment, integrity and God-fearingness.  Hanani and Hananiah were given the responsibility for the reconstructed city of Jerusalem - no small little job!! Why them? Because Nehemiah knew them and trusted them. Of Hananiah it says:

"..he was a faithful man and feared God above many."

Nehemiah 7:2

Faithfulness means consistency, honesty, integrity, reliability and diligence. This quality was further enhanced by his deep commitment to the Lord. In fact, more so than many others, Hananiah put God first in his life. 

Can you be trusted? If there is a job to be done would anyone ever look at your track record and say: "Well, you know who would be perfect for that? He can always be counted on to follow through on things. Very consistent! He's always there when you need him. He hasn't got a spotty record - on fire for the Lord one week and then off the radar screen the next week!  No - we always know what he is up to. He acts so responsibly. He's not up and down like a yo-yo. Mr. Bible student one month and then clowning around for the next three months. No - we've been observing a real solid track record of spiritual growth. He's just a real blessing to have around! We can trust him with that responsibility. He's committed."

Spiritual responsibilities are not assigned based on seniority i.e. how long a person has been saved or how long they've been around.  A gray haired Christian could still be a spiritual neophyte - even though he has seniority.  No, God's work is for Christians who are demonstrating faithfulness and spirituality - above and beyond others. That's why Paul wrote Timothy and said: 

Let no one despise your youth,

but be an example to the believers in word,

in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

(1Timothy 4:12)

"Lord, please help me to be consistent in all facets of my life. I want to always be available to You as a vessel to be used for Your purposes. Preserve me and help me to establish good habits. My deepest desire is to be faithful to You and useful to You."

Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today,

Warmly in the Lord,

Peter Ramsay