However, there was one story that we overlooked that I would like to revisit here. When Coach Taylor is preparing his defense, he talks about the story of rebuilding the city wall from the book of Nehemiah. He tells his players that, like Nehemiah, they should all build a stone wall in front of their own areas and ultimately that will create a great wall that will hold up against enemies…or the west coach offense.
It was more of a passing comment in the movie that that scene seemed to be more about football than their spiritual lives. But it worked that way. Each player took care of his own responsibility. He did what he was supposed to do individually, and it made them successful as a team.
That’s a great lesson for life. Each of us has our own responsibilities, our own tasks that are set before us. And if everyone held up their end, the world would be a much better place. It would be a great place where crime would be minimal and fluff pieces would dominate the news. Unicorns would still exist and I could get unlimited, free steak from the guy in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
That world does not exist. Because sin is a real thing, we cannot count on ourselves, let alone other people, to live out Godly lives. Handling your own “to-do” list is not what this story is about. Nehemiah leading the people to rebuild the wall is about doing what is necessary to be obedient.
Doing what is necessary goes above and beyond handling your own business. I, myself, have often been guilty of saying, “That’s not my problem,” “That’s not my job,” or “That’s none of my business.” That is a lie.
I am not talking about arrogantly inserting yourself into other peoples’ lives. I am not talking about interfering in situations where you are not welcome. However, any time you see a need or witness injustice, that situation instantly becomes “your problem/issue/job/business.” It is your job to seek righteousness in all things for the glory of God, and passively observing others peoples’ unfortunate circumstances is anything but righteous.
Yes, take care of building the wall in front of your own home. But if you see your neighbor struggling with his wall, it is 100% your responsibility to lend a hand. So we all need to stop using excuses and trying to mind our own business. That is definitely not what Nehemiah was all about.
Unless you are playing football. In that case, listen to the coach.