By Joshua Harris. "Think about all the training that Nehemiah had engaged in through his life, all the study, all the cultivated skill - he didn't get this job as cup bearer to the king without much labour - to make himself intelligent enough to function in this capacity, skilled enough in the ways of men, knowledgeable enough about government, he had applied himself and gained this significant role by (effortful and disciplined) work, diligence and faithfulness. There is a very important lesson for us all but as I was studying this passage, I felt such a burden to speak this to the young people of this church. Do not be slack in your work. Do not be slack in your studies. You're going to school somewhere, you're giving yourself to study - it might not seem that important to you but it is very important! Because it's what God's using to shape you and prepare you so that you might be useful in His ...