You are Doing Too Much
“What you’re doing is not good,” Moses’s father-in-law said to him. “You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you. You can’t do it alone.” – Exodus 18:17-18
In baseball, each person has a very distinct position to play, and it’s easy to see what role each person has. The reason for this is straightforward: one person could not do it alone.
The catcher cannot be the pitcher, the pitcher cannot be an outfielder, and an outfielder can’t play first base. The whole team is needed to accomplish the task of winning the game. One person could try and play all positions, but they would fail and look ridiculous to the fans watching.
Even though this might be a ridiculous thought, this is often what we do in other areas of our life. Moses, one of the most outstanding leaders in the Old Testament, fell prey to over-extending himself and not delegating tasks to lead better. Moses had become so indispensable to his people that he was working all day trying to solve every problem his people had. This was exhausting, and it took His father-in-law, Jethro, to call him out on it and advise him differently.
Jethro was also a leader and a priest and knew a lot about trying to be everything to everyone and how that will burn you out. Jethro gave Moses some great advice that would help him and equip His people to grow independently of Moses. He told Moses to delegate – to pick strong leaders within his people, teach them how to lead, and then send them out as helpers. This way, Moses could still deal with the more significant issues, but He would have helpers for the more minor issues.
You cannot do it alone, no matter how great of a leader you are. Trust that God will surround you with people who can help ease the burden of leadership. Train them, and then watch as God grows and equips your people way better than you could have.
- What are some tasks that you need to give away today?
- What stops you from delegating to people?
“Lord God, You have equipped and taught us to be leaders for Your Kingdom. Help us not to think we can lead on our own but help us give away and equip the next generation to lead. Take away any fear that might be causing us to hold on to the tasks and jobs that need to be given away. Provide our spirits rest from the work we are doing. Amen.”
