February 25, 2026

Business by the Book

Nehemiah 2:17  Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

Nehemiah was a motivator. In verse 17 he said, …come, and let us build… In the very next verse the people of Jerusalem replied, …Let us rise up and build…  He was a motivator. The people who did the work in rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem had the ability to do the work. They had the energy, they had the talent, and they could see the need, yet it wasn’t until Nehemiah motivated them that they got busy.

The same is true in every company, every nation, every family and every church. In each organization, no matter how large or how small, there are individuals that could do what is needed, they should do what is needed, yet many times they don’t. They need proper motivation.

Methods of motivation are as numerous as there are people. Money, fear, competition, status, recognition, self-fulfillment, security, promotion, community spirit, accomplishment, goodwill, are all tools that can be used to motivate. The difficult work of leaders is finding out what motivates others. Parents can motivate their children. Spouses can motivate their spouse. Pastors can motivate their church members, politicians – their constituents, business owners – their managers, and managers – their employees.

Nehemiah was a motivator. He simply offered leadership where there was none. Motivation is leadership, leadership is influence, and influence fosters motivation. This is a never ending cycle of success in the realm of motivation. Motivation, leadership, and influence feed one another. One thing about motivation is certain, when motivation is nonexistent leadership, influence or both is missing. Great motivators are in much shorter supply than great sales people, or great church members, or great citizens. Endeavor to become a great motivator. Not only will you enjoy personal success, but you will also help others to become successful, which in turn will further enrich your life in countless ways.

Dr. William Howe