Purpose Study Bible 354: Promote Their Welfare

Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to survey the situation, but not everyone was happy with his mission:

When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites (Nehemiah 2:10).

Did you notice what upset them? Nehemiah had come to "promote the welfare" of the people. That's an excellent description of purpose: God sends you into the world to promote someone else's welfare through who He made you to be. Your creative purpose, while it gives you great joy and fulfillment, is given to you for the benefit of other people. You're to serve them and meet their needs according to your gifts and in the power of your purpose.

It's not a selfish act to develop yourself so you can be a blessing to others, but it is a selfish act when you refrain from doing so. What effect do you have on others? Are you maximizing that effect? Whose welfare are you called to promote? If your purpose is children, then be the best children's worker you can be. If it's art, then produce as much as you can for the enjoyment and enrichment of others.

When you use your purpose to promote the welfare of others, don't be surprised if you encounter opposition. Anything that helps people become stronger, healthier, wiser, freer, or more fruitful can threaten those who benefit from things remaining as they are. Ultimately, the enemy of God opposes whatever promotes the welfare of those God loves.

Nehemiah didn't allow the displeasure of others to stop him from seeking the welfare of his people, and you shouldn't either. There are those waiting for the blessing that comes from you being who God made you to be. Don't keep them waiting any longer.