LifeLink Devotions for Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Yesterday we began looking at the advice the father-in-law of Moses gave him so he could become a better leader and avoid burnout. It starts with recognizing that we are only representatives of God to other people, not replacements for God.

Here are the next three principles taken from Exodus 18.

2.      Use every meeting with a person seeking God’s advice to teach them how to personally apply God’s law so they become more dependent upon God than upon you.  Moses was told, “Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live…” It is easy for us to enjoy the attention and ego stroking we get when people depend on us, but it is our privilege and duty to lead them into dependence upon God.

3.      Give the people a sense of purpose and responsibility. Jethro said, “And show them … the duties they are to perform.” Everyone needs to know they are needed and appreciated and that their life is accomplishing some purpose. One of the most important aspects of leadership is to encourage people to dream and then empower them to pursue the dream.

4.      Set up a workable system of accountability and authority. Here’s the instruction Moses received. ”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. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves.” Organize the people into small groups and delegate responsibility to qualified people to oversee the groups. This is a great model for the church today.

What was the guaranteed result of such leadership? Stress reduction and satisfied people. Here’s what Jethro predicted for Moses. ”You will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” As a pastor, that’s what I want. That’s what I have. I thank God daily for the qualified people around me who carry the load and for the servant-hearted people like you who have accepted the wisdom of Godly leadership. Maybe some of these principles will help you in the leadership issues you experience at your work or in your family.

Pastor John