This is the third part of my four parts topic about Nehemiah’s oppositions. This post will cover two of the last three types of oppositions. For the previous two posts, please click on this link below to read. I would encourage you to read those before continuing with this.
Rebuilding the Walls (Part One)
Rebuilding the Walls (Part Two)
The fifth form of opposition would be compromising. Nehemiah was almost done with the rebuilding of the walls. He had built every part of it except its gates. His enemies came to know about it and were not very happy and they called Nehemiah to meet up with them. But Nehemiah came to find out that they were planning to harm him so for four times he had to reply them saying that he would not go and meet them.
Nehemiah’s enemies were trying to negotiate with him so that both parties. They were seeking a settlement that would make both parties happy. In other words, they would be making an alliance with one another. The Israelites would seek God but not build up the walls so that the enemies have free entry.
Like the Israelites we may seek God and yet not build up our gates that keep the enemy out. By doing so, we will struggle with our walk with God. Therefore, it is important not to compromise with the enemy and build our gates, thus completing the walls. We must come to a point where we can say, “I will serve God and will not be half-hearted with the things of the world. God is all I want and need. He will provide and sustain me.”
The sixth form of opposition that came towards Nehemiah was slander. The fifth time Nehemiah’s enemies sent him a letter to call for a meeting saying, “It has been reported that you are plotting to revolt! Therefore you are rebuilding the walls. Moreover, according to these reports you are planning to be their king and have appointed prophets to proclaim it. We will report this to the king, so let us meet now.”
Of course non of those accusations were true. The same applies to our lives, our enemy; Satan will try to use this form of weaponry to attack us. He will use even Christians to spread false accusations and slanders. We need to pay attention to what we hear and speak and repeat. It is best not to tell anyone about bad news you heard about someone else. There is no use in doing so, you are not helping the accused person and neither are you making the situation better. Gossips spread like wildfire but it is possible to put it down. Many prominent men of God have been attacked in this form and many were not strong enough to stand against such false accusations. The best thing to do when we hear something bad about someone else is to get on our knees and pray!
Doing the work of the ministry is not easy. We are prone to be attacked by the enemy in such forms. Leaders who are rebuilding the walls get thoughts of compromising. “Maybe a little rest will do. Just a little.” After some time that little rest went on till kingdom comes! Leaders also get accused falsely with things they did not do. What is the use of spreading gossips and rumors? Nothing good will come out from it.
Be on your guard and always strive to be stronger in God.
God bless.
-Zlwin Chew
There Must To Be More To Life Than This.
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