The role of leadership can seem to be rather thankless at times. The Bible contains examples of leaders who failed as well as those who succeeded. Exploring their stories can often provide insights that can be incredibly helpful in our own leadership journey.
In the previous post we saw Jethro bring correction to Moses’ leadership of the Israelite people (Exodus 18:13-20). In order to follow Jethro’s very wise and godly advice, Moses firstly needed to gain a fresh understanding of his role as leader. However, his advice doesn’t stop there. Jethro also realises that as Moses steps away from the hands-on role of judge, he cannot leave a void. The people still needed those they could turn to when decisions were necessary. So Jethro tells Moses to select representatives from every tribe (Exodus 18:21-24). These men were to act as leaders/officials/heads/rulers of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens (verse 21). In fact, a total leadership restructure was needed.
The principles Jethro provides are timeless, and as such, are also applicable for us as leaders today. So it’s worth taking a look at exactly what Jethro suggests.
Choose leaders carefully
Jethro is really quite specific regarding who Moses is to choose. He is to look for:
- Capable or able men. The root word of “capable” means to be firm or strong. It is used of David’s “mighty men of valour” meaning an elite warrior. So Moses had to look for people who had a strength or firmness about them. They were capable and dependable, particularly in tense situations.
- Men who fear God. They had to be people who reverenced God and had demonstrated their commitment to following Him wholeheartedly.
- Trustworthy men. The root word for “trustworthy” is truth. Moses had to choose people of character who placed a high value on truth.
- Those who hate dishonest gain. In other words, they could not be bribed, and they were not in it for their own ego or gain. They were not greedy or covetous.
Notice all the above are character traits. Moses could not just appoint those who were already tribal leaders, heads of families, or those who seemed to be next in line to lead. I’m sure that would have led to some interesting conversations with those who thought they deserved to be appointed, but were not!
Also note that the character traits are those that reflect who God is. He is dependable, true, trustworthy and fair. If Moses wanted to see Israel flourish, he had to choose according to God’s character. That’s one of the timeless principles of Christian leadership.
Amazing results
There’s an interesting end to what Jethro says to Moses. Here’s what Jethro says:
“If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure [stand], and all this people will also go [enter] to their place in peace.”
Exodus 18:23 (NKJV)
Jethro says that if Moses does as he suggests (or as God commands), then Moses will be able to stand. Contrast this with verse 13, where the people are standing, but Moses is sitting. Can you see the picture here? Whoever is standing is the one with authority. Jethro sees that things are out of order, and that is one of the reasons he says to Moses, “What you are doing is not good” (Exodus 18:17).
Jethro also says that if Moses does this, the people will go to their place in peace. This is the Hebrew word Shalom, which has to do with wellness and wholeness in every sphere. Rather than standing around waiting for Moses, the people will enter into wellness, wholeness and peace.
Godly character and God’s Kingdom
Godly character not only applies to those who have a leadership position. Each one of us have opportunities to influence others (which is essentially what leadership is). Our leadership may be in our home, at work, with our peer group, or even in casual conversation with those around us. Demonstrating godly character in what we say and how we act is actually demonstrating God’s Kingdom. It opens doors for God to show who He is – through us.
If we want to see our communities flourish, we have to be those who choose godly character. When we make the necessary personal changes, godly order is established, and we will be amazed at the ongoing results.
