Despite their troubles and tribulations, Nehemiah reported that the people of God returned "every one unto his work" (Neh. 4:15). This statement says a number of important things.

First, when the rush of enthusiasm that accompanies challenge is over, it is important that an organization not become lethargic and ignore the duties of every day life. A team may build a big lead and then relax. That, of course, allows their opponents to come back. A business attends to detail and overcomes many obstacles to get their product on the market. Then, flush with success, they become top heavy with management and burdened with employees who seem to think that customers "owe" them honor. Many companies are bankrupt today because they did not continue to act on the principles of service that made them great. Occasionally, It is true with the church of God (Rev. 2:2-5).

Second, "every one" went to work, not just one or two, but "every one." A "one man" team is certain to lose when that "one man" has a bad night. Nehemiah never could have been successful if he alone had gone back to work. It takes "the effectual working...of every part," each of whom is holding to the Lord, for the church to be effective and fruitful (Eph. 4:16; Col. 2:19).

Third, each one must do "his work." A catcher generally cannot play centerfield. A quarterback is not a defensive tackle. Companies may be overseen by skilled executives who would be failures in sales. Let each, though, do "his work," and the group will be successful. The same is true in the church (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:12-28). "It is not reason (fit, suitable, proper) that we (the apostles) should leave the word of God and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:3, 4).

Does that mean the apostles were too "high and mighty" to serve tables? Does it mean others could not pray and preach the word? No, of course not. It meant that each had a work to do, and they were to attend to that work (1 Pet. 4:10, 11).

Conclusion: Consider that what Paul said to the Thessalonians was spoken to us also–"And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you" (1 Thess. 4:11). That is, "every one unto his work."