Nehemiah's team

Nehemiah 3:5 (NLT)

5 Next were the people from Tekoa, though their leaders refused to work with the construction supervisors.

Thirty-two verses make up chapter 3 and I could only find one negative statement in the whole chapter. The verses form a listing of the different people who participated in the rebuilding of the wall and what part of the wall they rebuilt. What a great team! What a huge accomplishment! I sure would hate to be one of the people from Tekoa with a special note beside their name because their leaders refused to work with the construction supervisors. They got to participate in the project, but their negative attitudes will be read about until the end of time as we know it. Let us learn from their mistake...
This is the time of year for team work! Summer affords us many opportunities for service...Vacation Bible School, Camps, Mission Projects, weddings, outdoor parties and group activities... Let's decide together that we are not going to be like the Tekoans. We do not want to be labeled as "doesn't work well with others." We want our names to be remembered for our contribution to the project and for our team spirit. I don't know about you, but I am loving all of this practical application from Nehemiah. Just one word of caution: Expect to be challenged in this area. Make your plan now to act like Jesus when the challenge comes. Praise Him for opportunities to represent Him in your world!