Nehemiah 13:10-13
And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field. Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place. Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries. And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren.

Nehemiah couldn’t do everything. He was willing to help where he could, to do all that he could. He would provide wisdom and counsel. He would give guidance and encouragement along the way. He would engage in the work with his own hands and give of his own resources. But he could not do every job himself, and nor should he have to. So he found people to help, dependable people, and they could make all the difference. And the only qualification listed about them is “they were counted faithful.”

Faithfulness is an important quality that we may tend to overlook. Often what we look for are those superlatives—the biggest, the smartest, the fastest, the strongest. But what about someone who will just be faithful? Someone who will show up every day to make sure that what needs to be done will be done? Someone who follows through on a task? Someone who is honest and dependable? That is what Nehemiah needed for this important task so the temple could operate properly, to honor God and benefit His people.

Is that something that others could say about you? Are you counted faithful in your church, in your workplace, in your family, among your friends? Is that something that matters to you and something you strive for in your life? It’s certainly a quality Nehemiah appreciated in those around him and it’s something that God looks for among His people. There is a place for all of us in the work of God, so may we simply be faithful to what He has called us to do.