Pastor Tom Grieb continues our series “Lessons in Leadership,” based on the book of Nehemiah.

On face value you would think that rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem would have been supported by all, particularly since the vision to do it was so clear.  Yet there were critical voices that emerged.  Two were particularly vocal, Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite.  They were from outside the Jewish faith and were opposed to anything that would strengthen Jerusalem’s position.  They were relentless in their criticism and even threatened to attack.  Under Nehemiah’s leadership, however, the Jews were undeterred.   They stayed at their work with one hand with their other hand on the sword.

With any big project opposition is sure to arise.  Today there seems to be a difference of opinion on just about everything.  How we deal with that opposition sets us apart.  Our leadership may very well rise or fall on the crucible of conflict.  This week we will consider how Nehemiah handled conflict and by so doing we will gain some valuable lessons in leadership.