REFLECTION
Wise Counsel
by Kim Starr
Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, saw how exhausting it was for Moses to serve as judge to the Israelites. He told Moses, “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.” Jethro then recommended what Moses should continue to do and suggested Moses appoint officials over the people who would serve as judges.
Has anyone ever told you that you are doing too much? At my last job, I was doing the work of 3 full time employees on my own. It wasn’t until I no longer worked there that I could see what a horrific position I had been in. No wonder I felt exhausted, worn out and abused. I should have listened to the people telling me to leave much sooner than I did.
God often uses people to speak to us and give us advice on how to best handle various situations. I have been blessed with many people in my life who supported me as I left that job and helped me to see what God had been saying to me for months. If we ignore peoples’ advice to us, we may miss out on something God wants us to know. Remember how God used prophets to get his message across? God uses people in our lives to help us see his message. It is part of why he wants us to be in fellowship with other Christians.
If you ever find yourself becoming overwhelmed by your responsibilities, remember the advice that Jethro gave Moses. Do not try to do everything yourself. Instead, find people who are capable of doing some of the work, and then let them do it. Remember that God even gave his Son 12 disciples to help him share his message. And after Jesus ascended into heaven, those disciples enlisted others to help spread God’s message. That goal has now filtered down to you and me. Christianity is as widespread as it is because many hands make lighter work. Never forget that God did not make us to be alone, but rather to be a part of one body each doing its part to glorify Him.
PRAYER
Lord, why is it so hard for us to see that positions we are in are not good for us? Just like Moses, we do not see any other way until someone shares ideas with us to make things better. Thank you for sending Jethro to Moses and thank you for the people you send into our lives to advise us. Help us to listen, and act, so that we do your will. Amen
