A Godly Strategy
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, 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.” Exodus 18:19-21 ESV
As I once again read of Jethro’s advice to Moses, I began to observe the depth of wisdom and the important concepts of leadership and organization. Principles that are taught in other places in scripture and are taught today
Moses’ Role – “You shall represent the people before God…..” Jethro did not diminish Moses’ role and importance, but really defined it. In other words, there was role that Moses needed to fill that no one else could or should. Often leaders today are told, “focus on what you alone can do, allow others to do the rest.” We see in Jesus life that, “He taught the masses, but He gave Himself to the few.”
Teach and Prepare Others – “…warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way…and what they must do.” Moses was to teach the people God’s laws and ways, so that the Word of God could guide their decisions, attitudes and conduct. Also, it reveals the key role of the leader to teach others. Paul told Timothy, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2:2 NIV) This takes time and patience, but in the end it is worth it.
Criteria for Leaders – “…look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe…” The qualifications were brief and to the point. They were men that were known, “from all the people.” They had the right relationship with God, “fear God.” They were men of character and integrity, “trustworthy and hate a bribe.” We see when Paul writes to Timothy and Titus, he lays out qualifications for elders, bishops and deacons. You need the right leaders to accomplish the task at hand and the overall mission.
Structural Management – “…place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.” The people would be served by leaders who were over leaders. Not everyone had the same scope of responsibility. This reveals a “reporting structure” so the needs of the people were met in the most effective manner.
Support and Role Definition – “Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves.” Not all the leaders possessed the same level of authority or responsibility. They were to know their limits and what cases they could decide and which ones needed to be passed on to other leaders or to Moses. It is important for a leader to know when their competence or ability has reached a limit. When that happens it is okay to get help or pass the issue to another.
Many times we find more reflected in passages of the Bible than what we see at first reading, or in my case multiple readings. I find myself once again, thankful for the practical applications of the Bible to our lives.
Prayer for today… Lord, once again, we give thanks to You for granting to us the wisdom that is needed to direct our lives and to advance the mission of the Church and organizations that we are called to serve and to lead. Continue to guide our lives, grant wisdom and insight to us for all that we need.