December 20 -- "Qualities That Elevate"

 Today's Reading: Nehemiah 7:1-38

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Today's verse tells us that Hananiah was in charge of Jerusalem because he was "a faithful man who feared God more than many." Although the Bible doesn’t delve much into Hananiah's personal history, his appointment to such a pivotal position speaks volumes about his qualities as a leader of God's people. From this, we learn that God elevates those who are faithful to Him, showcasing His strength through those who hold Him in reverence and demonstrate unwavering faith.

Nehemiah would have carefully observed Hananiah's actions, behaviors, and attitudes over time. Through their daily interactions, Nehemiah would witness how Hananiah handled various situations, allowing him to see Hananiah's faithfulness and deep reverence for God. Nehemiah, being a man of prayer and discernment, sought divine guidance in evaluating Hananiah’s suitability for the role. This process provided him with confirmation of Hananiah’s qualifications for such an important appointment.

Hananiah's faithfulness was evident in his life, seen through his diligent fulfillment of responsibilities. This commitment to faithfulness was demonstrated by his reliability, integrity, and dedication to executing his duties with excellence. Moreover, being described as "God-fearing" signifies that Hananiah lived with deep reverence and awe for God. His fear of God would inspire him to lead with wisdom, justice, and compassion, embodying God's character for those he led.

How do others describe you? Would others describe you as "more faithful and God-fearing than others"? These qualities are not mere suggestions but essential attributes of a life aligned with God's will and purpose. Faithfulness requires unwavering dedication, consistency, and integrity in every aspect of our lives. A God-fearing attitude acknowledges His sovereignty, holiness, and authority over us. This posture of humility, obedience, and awe should guide our decisions, actions, and priorities.

May your life shine with faithfulness, God-fearing reverence, and a readiness to respond to God's call in a way that is visible to those around you. And may you answer God's call with obedience and enthusiasm, experiencing the joy of fulfilling your God-given assignments and making a profound impact on lives for His glory.