So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work. Nehemiah 4:6
I once read a story about how an obstacle course in basic training which changed a man’s outlook on life. On his first attempt he completed the course far ahead of everyone else, but he was immediately confronted by his drill sergeant, who demanded, “Where are all your buddies?” “Back there, sir,” he replied. “I won!” The sergeant barked, “The obstacle course isn’t about coming in first! It’s about finishing! Everybody finishes or nobody wins. Go back and run it again, and this time help the guys who are struggling along the way!” That changed his being obsessed with winning into being an encourager whose goal was to build teamwork. Teamwork is our “Sacred Six” character for the month of March. As I thought about this word, my mind went back to Nehemiah. The enemy had torn down the wall of Jerusalem. The city was now completely surrounded by enemies. As the enemy saw the work progressing, they became angry and decided to plan a secret attack. Nehemiah suspected that his enemies would try to attack, so he posted a guard and encouraged the people to pray. “Watch and Pray.” The workers held tools in one hand and weapons in the other, and were prepared to fight if attacked. Through this “teamwork,” the walls were built back. What a lesson we can learn from this. When we work together, we divide the effort and multiply the effect.