From the beginning God created man as a social creature. You will recall that the only issue about which God said, “It is not good” was the fact that Adam was alone. Human beings were created to be engaged in fulfilling, productive, and noble interaction both God and one another. It is unthinkable that the One who designed us for meaningful relationship would then give us life callings that could be completed by solitary efforts. Whether it is tending a garden, rebuilding a wall, developing a business, or leading a family, we are most effective when we engage others in the challenge.

Nehemiah did not settle for a vision that one man could accomplish, but longed for a God-size endeavor. Listen to his words spoken to the leaders of Jerusalem. “Then I said to them, ‘You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned with fire. Come let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach.’ I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king’s words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, ‘Let us arise and build.’ So they put their hands to the good work.” (Nehemiah 2:17, 18, NASB)

Nehemiah began by affirming their shared concern over the desperate need of Jerusalem. Using “we” and “us,” he identified with their reproach or shame. Knowing that others, with their gifts and abilities, would be necessary, Nehemiah then called them to join him in rebuilding the wall. Sharing the responsibility gave everyone ownership of the project. The result was “they put their hands to the good work.”

If our days are filled with individual achievements that rarely engage others’ commitment, ingenuity, and toil, I submit that we are being woefully short-sighted. I was recently reminded that we often get from others what we ask of them. Are you calling people to small tasks while hoping for big changes? Let’s engage them in a noble endeavor that will transform our homes, our church, our community, our nation, and the world!