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Moses was exhausted. God had made him the leader of his people, and he was trying to do the job right. So he spent all day long, every day, hearing the people's problems and telling them God's will.

Moses faced the problem of any capable leader—too much work and not enough time! But Moses found a solution with the help of his father-in-law. He selected competent leaders—people who could be trusted, who loved God, and who weren't out to feather their own nests. Moses taught them all the laws God had given. He made each leader responsible for a small group of people and told them to come to him with any difficult decision.

Moses set a pattern all leaders should follow. First, pick subordinates you can trust—workers with a strong moral code who won't use their position for personal gain. Then teach them well. Set a good example for them, and give them all the information they need to carry out their jobs. Make sure your workers have limited, reasonable, clearly defined spheres of responsibility. Then give them the freedom to do their jobs. Only intrude into their space when they ask for help with a difficult challenge. (See also 1 Kings 3:5-15; 4:29-34; Ezra 5:1-6:12; Jeremiah 32:26-44; John 21:15-25; 2 Timothy 1:1-7; Philemon 8-16; Philemon 15-25.)

Good Words to Remember:
It will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you. Exodus 18:22

Today's Challenge:
How can you better follow Moses' pattern of leadership?

Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.