This week, we looked at Nehemiah 5 and what it means to lead in the fear of God. The governors before Nehemiah followed the leadership patterns of the culture around them, using their authority to burden the people and benefit themselves. Nehemiah chose a different way. He refused privileges he had a right to take, stayed focused on the work God gave him, and used his own resources to welcome and provide for others. His leadership reflected the way of Jesus, who said that greatness in His kingdom is found in serving rather than lording authority over people. The message challenged us to recognize that everyone has areas of influence and to ask whether we use that influence to press down on people or come underneath them to lift and strengthen them. Godly leadership is motivated by reverence for God, seeks His purposes instead of personal gain, works with people for their joy, and trusts God with recognition and reward.