Human Response 597: A Mind to Work

Nehemiah 4:6 So built we the wall, and all the wall was joined together unto the wall thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

Under Nehemiah’s leadership the people finished building the wall around Jerusalem. It was a major accomplishment in the face of enemies and obstacles. With God’s help and Nehemiah’s leadership, they finished the wall because the Lord had put into the hearts the mind to work. It took a determined and courageous effort on the part of everyone. The people responded to God’s blessing and deliverance by loving the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind. God gave them the determination and skill to finish the job. God always finishes what He started.

In our own sinful flesh we do not have the desire or ability to resist the Enemy and actually do and complete the works of God. This power comes to us through the Gospel by the Spirit. Because of the grace and goodness of Christ we respond with the mind to work. The good works we do for others and for the church we do because He first loved us. The mind to work is created from the love of God in Christ. So we work.