Nehemiah: A Warning To Us All

As I was deciding what book in the Bible to read next, God led me to Nehemiah. I did not know much, ok anything, about this book so I was a bit excited. I finished it this morning and realized that this book is a warning to all of us. Nehemiah left his comfortable life with the king and went back to his people. He was saddened by the state in which he found them in and committed to stay and help them rebuild. He stayed and the rebuilding of the wall began. He was a selfless leader, giving all glory back to God. He then read the Word out loud to the entire Isrealite community. None could say they had not heard it. They took a vow to live by this Law. Nehemiah stayed for a few years then returned back to the king. He asked for permission to go back and visit the Isrealites. When he returned, what a sad state he found it in. They had gone back on every vow and were not living a life pleasing to God. This is what I took away from Nehemiah: 1) Are we ok with leaving our comfortable lives to reach out? Maybe to a family member who is struggling, a friend who is not living right? Or do we just want to stay in our little comfortable houses and lives? 2) Am I saddened by those who are not following the Lord and do I commit myself to praying for them and helping them see Him? 3) Am I committed to teach my children to make their faith their own? When they leave our house, are they going to be able to stand on God's beliefs without Eric and I to make sure they are? 4) Am I living a humble life for God, relying on His power and not my own? Sadly, a lot of the answers to those questions are no for me. Do you struggle in the same way?