Message Outline 16th July 06, 5th Anniversary

Managing for Significance - by Ps Steven Teo

Intro; Recent events, like have a couple of friends who die relative young at early 50s. Their regrets and unfinished aspirations, families and children etc.

Text: Nehemiah 6:1-3
"1 When word came to Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it although up to that time I had not set the doors in the gates- 2 Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: "Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono."
But they were scheming to harm me; 3 so I sent messengers to them with this reply: "I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?"

Nehemiah was enjoying the privilege of serving the Emperor in Persia. But when he heard about the sorry state of Jerusalem, the spirit of God stirred within him and he wept. And prayed..

Then he took the arduous journey and obtained the Royal authority to return and rebuild the homeland...

What is significance work? Building and repairing the wall seems like a mundane and unimportant. But in Nehemiah's context, it was most crucial and significant. Without the wall being rebuilt fully, there is no security for the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

The restoration of Jerusalem is of utmost importance at that time.

It was a purposeful and intentional work.

What is significance? It is not about being popular,
It is not about numbers, financial resources or the visible success, great pompous affairs and seemingly important things...

It is about doing what God wants you to do or the task that only you can do. We have only one life, soon it will be over and only what is done for God will last..

We must aim beyond successes to significance. No body will argue or quarrel with your success, but only significance will last. Don't miss the mark.
Australia need the church as it is in a crisis mode. Less than 5 % goes to church every Sunday. Many biblical and good laws are being change to appease the vocal minority and questionable morality.

How to manage or life for Significance?

A. Building a Foundation for Others
To build something always requires sacrifice. In fact great sacrifices!.
What foundation are you laying for others?
The famous Pastoral Theologian Henry Nouwen - small acts of kindness, empty yourselves. At the height of his teaching career at Harvard & Notre Dame, he gave it all up to serve a home for the intellectually disable people. He held their hands, served them food. Hugged those who do not even know how to respond or have no capacity to return your affection.

B. Significance comes from Obeying God
Eg like Ken Toe, Ps Steven' brother, he was frustrate with the church who refused to send him to the mission field in Medan. But he had to be obedient to the call. It has more to do with his obedience that being upset with his church that did not share his personal vision or calling.
A lasting legacy comes from being hungry and dependence on God and God alone. What example are you leaving for your children? Pushing for success of faith and trust for deeper significance?
A typical bad example is King Solomon, pursue grandiose and lust for pleasure, power and fame. His sons split his kingdom soon afterwards.

C. Significance is Bout Impacting people

Passion begets passion. A Christian by definition is a leader because he is called to be the salt and light to the world - an influencer and bearer of light.
Do your part conscientiously. You won't have to ask why my children are not in church. Often it is because they see the duplicity and inconsistencies in your life. You are the greatest influence on them.

Leave a lasting legacy! Manage your life for significance