Leadership 101
Moses, as leader of Israel, had begun to judge the people from morning to night. His father in law, Jethro, came for a visit and quickly observed “The thing that thou doest is not good.” (Exodus 18:13). Moses, as a leader, had in the past been great, but the job of judge of the people had outgrown one man. Let’s note the advice of Jethro to his son-in-law.
Moses was serving as Judge of the people over all matters, from the smallest of items even to the largest. Jethro made two important, eye opening statements regarding the problem: that it was not good and that he would surely wear away (both he and the people). He further observed that “This thing is too heavy for thee”. Some have estimated that Israel may have numbered approximately two million by now, and that the cases Moses adjudicated may have numbered into the hundreds each day.
Thus Moses had a situation that had grown out of control; it perhaps did not occur overnight but rather over a period of time. Wisely, Jethro advised him that correction of the problem was needed.
The solution to the problem that Jethro offered included involving more of the people. In fact, Jethro was very specific, even offering four qualifications for those that would serve. First, thou shalt provide out of all the people able men. (Note that involvement of all the people was encouraged.) Second, he advised that these able men were to “fear God”. Certainly, to fear God is to respect Him. Third, these men were to be “men of truth”. Fourth, these men were to hate covetousness. Let’s look at these four qualifications in more detail.
First, they were to be able men. This is the idea of being capable, fit for the task. Abilities can, of course, come in various categories such as physical, mental or even organizational just to name a few. Picture a person serving as a gospel preacher, a deacon or an elder that has gotten so physically, mentally or emotionally out of shape that they are not as fit for the job as they once were. As we grow older our wisdom and knowledge should increase; sadly, our faculties and abilities begin to decline. We should endeavor to take care of the body the Lord has given us so we can ably serve him for years to come.
Second, they were to fear God. One that would reverence God would have a better appreciation for His law and how it affected the people he would be judging.
Third, they were to be men of truth. Spoken truth is important but also involved in the word is the idea of being reliable, faithful, and firm in the course of action at hand. Those that would come to be heard might, at times, loudly claim they were right, thus the ones that would hear cases would need to be men of truth (firm and faithful to the task at hand).
Fourth, these men were to hate covetousness. Covetousness would involve unjust gain, at times obtained by violence. Taking bribes, extortion or other illicit means of gaining money are unacceptable in all walks of life, however, especially so among those that serve in judiciary matters.
Jethro further advised a division of labor for the appointed leaders. He recommended Moses appoint rulers of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. He further suggested that these men judge the people at all seasons, and that at times a “great matter” may need to be brought to Moses for decision but that every “small matter” be handled by the judges themselves.
The benefits of organized leadership are also detailed by Jethro. He points out that Moses’ burden would be lighter with the help of those appointed. “If thou shalt do this thing...thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.” (Exodus 18:23). Moses complied with the advice of Jethro, and the suggested system was put into place. A close reading of the text indicates that the intended blessings were not just for Moses but for the people as well. Moses had mentioned earlier in the text that the situation got started because of the people coming to him for judgment on various matters. The point is clear: the people need, and even deserve, good, organized and effective leadership at all times.
We are complimentary of those that are willing to serve the Lord, and His church, in various leadership roles today in an organized way (as preachers, elders and deacons); however, we also know that the Lord expects such men to be qualified for the task at hand. Study what Jethro had to say in Exodus eighteen and let it serve as a start for a good study of the qualifications of those men that are appointed to serve the local congregation.
Let us be encouraging young men to keep themselves faithful and true to the Lord so they can enjoy eternity in Heaven, but also so they can serve the Lord’s church as qualified leaders.
By: Keith McNeely