In order to be a true leader, one must show many different traits in what they say and do. Some of these traits may include boldness, sensitivity, compassion, and encouragement. In order to be a godly leader, one must also be both strong in their faith and help strengthen the faith of others. Some of these traits may include prayer, godly concern, and regular worship. The book Nehemiah portrays the prophet Nehemiah as a very godly leader both by himself and in the company of others. As Christians, we should strive to be like Nehemiah and live our lives as Christian leaders.
Nehemiah showed godly leadership through his use of prayer. When Nehemiah heard about Jerusalem's walls being broken down and its gates set afire, he prayed to God. In the middle of his morning and fasting, he went to the Lord for comfort in prayer. He prayed about how loving our God is, and how he keeps his ears open to prayer. He also confesses Israel's sins and asks for God's mercy and forgiveness. He finally prays for God to bring his people back together, and prays for the betterment of Jerusalem. His entire prayer has been selfless and entirely focused on other people. God tells us to bring everything to him in prayer; Nehemiah shows this leadership through the use of prayer and trusting that God will hear him and help him in his time of trouble.
In addition to Nehemiah's use of prayer, he also shows godly leadership through his complete trust in God. When Nehemiah went back to Jerusalem to inspect the broken walls, he was told by God to rebuild them back to what they were to end the disgrace they were living in. Without question, hesitation, or even so much as a second thought, Nehemiah initiated the start of the project. Nehemiah says this in chapter two, verse twenty, "I answered them by saying, ˜The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding.' " (Nehemiah 2:20a).
