The Challenge of Getting People to Work

Scripture — Nehemiah 4:6 (NRSV)

So we rebuilt the wall, and all the wall was joined together to half its height; for the people had a mind to work.

Devotion

Under the leadership of Nehemiah, the Jewish people in Judah were committed to rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. The taunting of their enemies did not discourage or distract them from the task at hand. Before long, “all the wall was joined together to half its height” (4:6). The builders were making impressive progress, which reflected their hard work and Nehemiah’s exemplary leadership. Yet, in his description of their progress, Nehemiah does not point to his ability as a first-rate motivator. Rather, he says simply, “for the people had a mind to work” (4:6).

The translation “a mind to work” is possible based on the Hebrew original and can be found in the KJV and the ESV in addition to the NRSV. But the Hebrew could be translated more literally as “a heart to work.” Thus, the NIV says that “the people worked with all their heart.” The Message reads, “The people had a heart for the work.” It’s important to note that the people worked hard, not only because they believed it was important, but also because they yearned to see it completed. We might say that their work was motivated by mind and heart.

If you’ve ever been a leader of people who have “a mind to work,” you know how energizing and joyful that can be. I remember, for example, times when the congregation I once led in Irvine, California had “a mind to work.” I’m thinking especially of how we did Vacation Bible School in the summers. This was a big deal for us, a wonderful time for church families and families from the community. Hundreds of our members participated, from the very young to the very old, and everything in between. We worked hard, but with joy and enthusiasm. Indeed, we had a mind/heart to work.

Now, while it’s fantastic to lead a team of people who want to work, I wonder how a leader can help make this happen. If you’ve ever tried to lead folks who don’t have a mind to work, you know how difficult it can be to change their mind!

Looking back to the earlier portions of Nehemiah, we see several things Nehemiah did that contributed to the enthusiasm of the Jewish workers. These include:

• Heartfelt, extended, and regular prayer (1:4-11; 2:4; 4:4-5)
• A deep personal commitment to the work (1:11, etc.)
• Support from the “higher-ups” (2:1-8)
• Communication adapted to the audience (2:3-8; 17-18)
• Careful study and planning (2:12-16)
• A clear call to action (2:18)
• Consistent, contagious trust in God (2:18, 20)
• Disciplined focus on the work (4:6)
• Not being discouraged by opposition (4:1-4)

I do not doubt that Nehemiah’s excellent leadership helped the Jewish workers to have “a mind to work.” But I believe other factors are relevant. I’d like to mention two.

First, the people themselves had a great desire to see the work done. Nehemiah didn’t come to Jerusalem to persuade the residents to do something they weren’t especially interested in doing. Rather, he helped them do that which their hearts desired. After all, for decades they had endured the shame, vulnerability, and financial devastation associated with the destroyed wall of Jerusalem. As we would say today, the possibility of a rebuilt wall touched their “felt needs” or “pain points.” In my experience as a leader, it’s extremely difficult to get people to work hard for something I value but they do not. If I’m convinced that what I want is right, then I need to help people come to think and feel as I do. That isn’t easy, but sometimes it’s necessary.

Second, the people were motivated, not just by their own desires and by Nehemiah as their leader, but also by God. As we read the book of Nehemiah, we get the strong sense that God is on the move. Nehemiah bears witness to this when he says things like: “The gracious hand of my God was upon me” (2:8); “I told them that the hand of my God had been gracious upon me” (2:18); “The God of heaven is the one who will give us success” (2:20). When God wants to get something done, God usually works in and through human beings. We see this from the very beginning in Genesis 1 and 2. Yet, when we try to make things happen without God’s guidance, blessing, and empowerment, we quickly discover the limitations of our power. We matter, yes, but we need God’s help, double yes.

Thus, when as leaders we want our people to have “a mind to work,” we can certainly do the things Nehemiah did. But if we think that we can make great things happen by our own strength, we miss one of the most important and striking lessons in the story of Nehemiah. Yes, human effort matters. Yes, God works through human leaders and human workers. But, as Nehemiah said so wisely, “The God of heaven is the one who will give us success” (2:20). Thus, we who lead must always rely on the goodness, grace, and guidance of God.

Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the High Calling archive, hosted by the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: Leslie Marquard: A Mind to Lead.