Exodus 18: 20-21
“Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.”
Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, was a man of God, and feared that Moses was becoming overwhelmed with trying to handle everything himself. He gave this advice to Moses. It would make sense for Moses to choose men who were God-fearing, trustworthy and honest. But it hadn’t occurred to him to delegate some responsibility to others. Sometimes we do get caught up with being in charge, and resist giving responsibility to others. Why is that? Do we want the credit for doing it all ourselves? I can’t really see Moses asking for recognition. But he might have been afraid to hand over important responsibilities. God does not expect us to act totally on our own.
Holy Lord, Help me to see when I should ask for help and/or give responsibility to others. I know that you see what I am doing, and it is by your grace that I am blessed, not by anything that I do. Doing your work is good in itself, and that work is to be shared. Amen
Becky, transforming
Leadership
Wednesday, August 28th, 2024
Exodus 18:20-21
And you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
This passage reminds me of a father’s love in guiding and giving advice to his family.
This passage could easily be called stress management. Jethro, Moses’s father in law is teaching Moses how to handle the stress and strain of his busy life. No leader can endure alone.…
Exodus 18: 20-21
How many business and organizational leaders realize appropriate delegation is the key to effective leadership? How many know it is a Scriptural concept?Building a sense of shared responsibility and ownership of a task or broader mission makes for a much more powerful and efficient team effort. In too many cases we see what could have been very fruitful and positive projects over the long term implode and become irrelevant when a leader who has made no effort to nurture future leadership or engage in succession planning moves on. To be effective in the now, leaders must be thinking in legacy mode at all times.
Prayer - Lord God, You sent Jesus who sent the twelve who then…
Exodus 18:20-21
Jethro taught Moses a great lesson. One I need to hear also. Good leaders delegate responsibility. They do not try to be the only one who knows what to do. Good leaders teach others what they need to know to do a job well. Good leaders create teams of people to work together toward a goal. A good leader knows that leadership is not a one woman/man job.
Prayer: Gracious God, As I read what I just wrote, I realize I need this lesson just as Moses did. Help me be a better leader. Amen