Every One Over Against His House.
We should start making a positive impact in our own neighbourhoods, rather than focusing on grand schemes or distant goals, and wait on God for guidance and direction.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in addressing the evils of the world, urging individuals to focus on improving their immediate surroundings rather than seeking distant opportunities for service. He illustrates this through the example of Meshullam, who repaired the wall opposite his own home, suggesting that everyone should start with their own neighborhood. Meyer encourages believers to seek God's guidance in showing kindness to their neighbors and to take small, deliberate steps in their efforts to build a better community. He reminds us that while we may feel inexperienced, God is the true Architect and Builder, guiding our efforts.
Text
Every one over against his house. Neh. iii. 28.
THIS is the way to deal with the evil of this world. We are all fonder of starting schemes, forming committees, and discussing methods of work, than in setting definitely to work for ourselves. There is a lack of definiteness, and we hardly know where to begin. But this verse suggests that every one should begin over against his own house. Try and make your own neighbourhood a little more like what God would have it. It may be that you have gone too far afield in search of work; you are applying to the Foreign Missionary Society, or are waiting for a sphere of service; yet, all the time, there is that wretched neighbourhood, like a piece of ruined wall before you. Arise and repair it!
Meshullam repaired over against his chamber (ver. 30). Perhaps he was not rich enough to have a whole house; he lived in a single room, but he discovered that there was a little bit of the wall just opposite his window, which would not be built unless he set to it. Is not that a hint for college students, and for those who live in flats, or industrial dwellings?
The best way is not immediately to begin giving tracts, good though that is in its place. Ask God to give you an opportunity of showing kindness to your neighbours, so that they get to understand and trust you; and wait upon God until the answer comes ‑‑ until He shall show you what step He would have you take next. This is the foundation of your bit of wall. Then plod on step by step, tier by tier. God will show you how. You may be unpractised in wall‑building; but He is the Architect and Builder, and you are but a bricklayer's labourer at the best. Do as He tells you.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Starting Locally
- Making Our Neighbourhoods a Better Place
- Waiting on God for Guidance
- Building Together with God
- We are not alone in our efforts, God is the Architect and Builder
- We are simply labourers, doing as we are told
Key Quotes
“Try and make your own neighbourhood a little more like what God would have it.” — F.B. Meyer
“Arise and repair it!” — F.B. Meyer
“You may be unpractised in wall-building; but He is the Architect and Builder, and you are but a bricklayer's labourer at the best.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Identify areas of need in your own neighbourhood and take the first step in repairing and improving your community.
- Wait on God for guidance and direction before taking action.
- Remember that you are a labourer for God, doing His work, and not your own.