Exodus
18:14-23 (NLT) 14 When Moses’
father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are
you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while
everyone stands around you from morning till evening?” 15 Moses replied,
“Because the people come to me to get a ruling from God. 16 When a dispute
arises, they come to me, and I am the one who settles the case between the
quarreling parties. I inform the people of God’s decrees and give them his
instructions.” 17 “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. 18
“You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a
burden for you to handle all by yourself. 19 Now listen to me, and let me give
you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the
people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him. 20 Teach
them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct
their lives. 21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who
fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand,
one hundred, fifty, and ten. 22 They should always be available to solve the
people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the
leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the
load, making the task easier for you. 23 If you follow this advice, and if God
commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all
these people will go home in peace.” 24 Moses listened to his father-in-law’s
advice and followed his suggestions. 25 He chose capable men from all over
Israel and appointed them as leaders over the people. He put them in charge of
groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. 26 These men were always
available to solve the people’s common disputes. They brought the major cases
to Moses, but they took care of the smaller matters themselves.
As
life continues, we in ministry find ourselves drifting into a “leadership
lull”. Meaning, we stop leading and land into a managing mode of operation. We
forget to share the ministry, get bored with the lack of ministry movement and
we stop leading and start simply managing. Here are some examples of both.
Leaders will make decisions without needing the assistant of their leader. They
look for ways to not only improve the ministry but are willing to make mistakes
in the process. Leaders will look for others who too can expand the ministry.
In other words, they are trying to reproduce themselves into the lives of other
leaders. Managers will keep things as they are. They like the status quo and
make sure things stay that way. Jethro called Moses out and reminded him of
what he was called to be and do. Moses was not leading he drifted into trying
to manage the Israelites by listening to all their issues. After a while it
zapped him of energy, time and effectiveness. As a manager he was stuck and if
allowed to continue would end up harming himself, his family and the people he
was supposed to be leading. Some of you are great leaders and others are better
managers. Over emphasize one over the other and you will have dysfunction and
chaos. So, wake up if you are slumbering or find
yourself drifting. Pray for a new vision, new creative life and ways to
minister. Know that I trust you, you don’t need my approval of the things you
do. I want you to run with whatever God places on your heart. Lead up and manage well.
Questions to chew on:
1.
What area/s in ministry are you currently stuck?
2. When
was the last time you prayed about your ministry and for the Holy Spirit to
reveal new ways to care for your folks?
3. What
ministry task do you want to try but are afraid you might fail? Just do it!
4.
Who are you sharing your Jesus life with? Who
are you discipling?
