Scripture:

“Moses’ father-in-law said, “This is no way to go about it. You’ll burn out, and the people right along with you. This is way too much for you—you can’t do this alone… Your job is to teach them the rules and instructions, to show them how to live, what to do. And then you need to keep a sharp eye out for competent men—men who fear God, men of integrity, men who are incorruptible—and appoint them as leaders over groups organized by the thousand, by the hundred, by fifty, and by ten… They will share your load and that will make it easier for you. If you handle the work this way, you’ll have the strength to carry out whatever God commands you, and the people in their settings will flourish also.” Exodus 18:17-18, 20-21, 23

Perspective:

We have grown up around superheros.  They don’t live next door, but they are in comic books, on TV shows, and in books.  They can fly at a moment’s notice or scale buildings with their hands.  They laugh at the impossible, because they are superheros.

Moses was trying to do everything.  He had a nation to lead, problems to solve, and disputes to settle.  As his father-in-law examined the situation, he knew Moses was setting himself up for burnout.  Like Moses, we try to do everything on our own.  We juggle business, family, church, community service, friends, and everything else.  We want to have and do it all.  However, God sends people with wisdom in our lives to show us a better way to work, live, and lead.  Moses realized through wise counsel that he was not building his life for the long haul by burdening himself unnecessarily.  As Moses shared the burden of leading a nation with other capable individuals, the people flourished, not only Moses.  Whatever you are facing, don’t be afraid to delegate responsibility so that you can fulfill your God-given destiny and build your life without burnout.

email