“Moses’ father-in-law replied, ‘What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you.’”
Exodus 18:17-19
From sunrise to sunset Moses was serving as the sole judge for the Israelites. Day in and day out, the people would come to Moses with their disputes and complains, and Moses would listen to both parties and pass judgment based on God’s law. When Moses’ father-in-law saw how hard Moses was working, he was concerned for the work was too much for one man alone. So Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, shared some wisdom with Moses.
His advice for Moses was to select capable men who feared God and were trustworthy to serve as judges for Israel. As judges they would hear the peoples’ complaints and with easy disputes could see that the matters at hand were resolved, without involving Moses. Meanwhile, Moses would continue to offer council for difficult cases, but his overall workload would be significantly lighter.
Jethro’s advice to Moses still rings true today: you can’t do it alone. No matter the task at hand, always remember that by trying to do everything by yourself, you will get worn out. Burn out is a very real thing, and no matter how easy the good things you are trying to accomplish may seem, be weary of running yourself into the ground. Delegate and accept help where you can. Another important takeaway from the passage above, is how Moses listened and respected Jethro’s advice. Listen to the people of wise counsel in our life. If someone that you respect comes to you asking to help you, or suggesting you start delegating, take a step back and hear them.
In a society that is constantly on the go, trying to maximize time and efficiency, be careful not to apply the same principles to your spiritual life. Learn from the story above, how even Moses struggled to delegate or to ask for help when he needed it. Don’t try to do everything in this life on your own. Let others around you help to carry the load.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Forgive me when I take on too much and try to do everything on my own. Give me grace, and help me to recognize when I need to let others around me carry the load.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
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