Since we began Rich Thoughts For Breakfast. . .I’ve written 137 blogs or television programs just on leadership.
You would think that I had covered on the bases on the do’s and don’ts of being a leader. At least, that’s what I thought . . .until God allowed me to see something in a way that I’d never seen it before.
As this passage in Exodus begins, Moses is being paid a visit by Jethro, his father-in-law.
Exodus 18:17-23 in the Message Bible says:
“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.
“Now listen to me. Let me tell you how to do this so that God will be in this with you. Be there for the people before God, but let the matters of concern be presented to God. 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'll be responsible for the everyday work of judging among the people. They'll bring the hard cases to you, but in the routine cases they'll be the judges. 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."
As I was reading these verses, God shared me seven characteristics of leadership and what it takes to be successful in this world of ours.
Exodus 18:17-19 in the Message Bible says:
Harold Herring