Moses is recognized as one of the greatest leaders of all time and he demonstrated the important skill of listening. Early on in his leadership of Israel he assumed responsibility to judge all the people (Exodus 18:13). His father-in-law, Jethro, observed this exhausting and inefficient process, and shared some very wise counsel with Moses.
First he told Moses, “You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him.” (Ex 18:19b). Prayer was the first priority. Second, he told Moses to, “Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform.” (Ex 18:20). Teaching was the second priority. It would benefit all of Israel, prepare leaders, and eliminate some of the counseling and mediation. Third, he told Moses, “select capable men from all the people – men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain – and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times…” (Ex 18:21-22a). Wise delegation was the third priority. Fourth, he told Moses, “have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves.” (Ex 18:22c). Moses’ oversight and measured involvement was the fourth priority.
The anticipated result comes next, “That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” (Ex 18:22d-23). This was sound advice and, “Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.” (Ex 18:24).
Effective listening requires humility, patience, discernment, and a willingness to change. “Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.” (Numbers 12:3). A humble person knows others may have a better idea and are willing to listen.
Patience is also necessary to the skill of effective listening. Sometimes you have more knowledge on the subject than the adviser, or you have already carefully considered the idea they are suggesting. So, you bite your tongue and listen because it is important to the adviser to share their thoughts and he or she might surprise you with a great idea. It’s like mining for gold - you have to sort through a certain amount of information to discover the really helpful ideas.
Discernment is critical. When you are listening you have to sort out what is valuable. Receive advice without making promises so you can take time to determine if it is helpful. The freedom to disregard advice is as important as the willingness to act on advice. Seek out advisers you think can help and don’t just rely on those who come to you of their own accord. Pray over the advice you receive to clarify what God is saying.
A willingness to change is the final ingredient in effective listening. The methods we employ should be fluid. At the beginning Moses’ method of judging the people may have been the only way to get the job done. However, over time he would have burned out, potential leaders would have been deprived of opportunity, and the needs of the people would not have been met. Moses would have missed a vital step forward, if he had not listened to Jethro.
As one of my teachers used to say, “Be a good listener”.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Tough Times
We have been watching a significant economic downturn that is affecting all of us. Many in our nation have suffered loss from storms and fires in recent months. At the same time we are navigating through the ongoing political campaign. Decisions made in voting booths will impact future Supreme Court appointees, abortion, the economy, our national security, and more. In it all we have an unchanging, all-powerful God. Challenging times are a motivation to seek God, and seek Him we should. Challenging times also present opportunities for the church to advance the good news of Jesus Christ. When people are hurting they are more receptive to the gospel.
After ministering to the Samaritan woman at the well in Sychar, Jesus said to his disciples “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (John 4:35b). The context of this statement indicates the “ripe harvest” is hurting people. The woman at the well had been married five times and was living with a man who was not her husband. Her life was a mess and she responded to the life-giving words of Jesus. He told her “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14).
What a great message we carry to the world. I pray God will empower us in these hurting times to share His message effectively.
I also noted that Jesus ministered to this woman at a moment when He was tired (John 4:4-6). The concerns of the world and our labor can leave us tired, but sometimes it is in those moments that God presents new opportunities. When Jesus seized the opportunity to minister to this woman, He was energized by the Holy Spirit. The disciples went to get food while Jesus spoke to her and when they returned they urged him to eat “But he said to them, I have food to eat that you know nothing about … My food … is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:32 and 34). It is important to point out that Jesus came aside to rest at times in His ministry, but there were also times when He pressed through the weariness to achieve the Father’s will. When that was appropriate the Father provided added strength, and I believe He will for us as well.
After ministering to the Samaritan woman at the well in Sychar, Jesus said to his disciples “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (John 4:35b). The context of this statement indicates the “ripe harvest” is hurting people. The woman at the well had been married five times and was living with a man who was not her husband. Her life was a mess and she responded to the life-giving words of Jesus. He told her “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14).
What a great message we carry to the world. I pray God will empower us in these hurting times to share His message effectively.
I also noted that Jesus ministered to this woman at a moment when He was tired (John 4:4-6). The concerns of the world and our labor can leave us tired, but sometimes it is in those moments that God presents new opportunities. When Jesus seized the opportunity to minister to this woman, He was energized by the Holy Spirit. The disciples went to get food while Jesus spoke to her and when they returned they urged him to eat “But he said to them, I have food to eat that you know nothing about … My food … is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:32 and 34). It is important to point out that Jesus came aside to rest at times in His ministry, but there were also times when He pressed through the weariness to achieve the Father’s will. When that was appropriate the Father provided added strength, and I believe He will for us as well.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Rest in Christ
REFLECTIONS ON THE LAST TWO WEEKS: I had the privilege of joining Pastor Scott Bottoms and the leadership team of High Plains Christian Center for a retreat September 25-27. I filled in at Strasburg for a few weeks before moving to California over seven years ago and it was wonderful to see faithful leaders still working in the church and the addition of new leaders now part of the team. God is doing wonderful things in this church.
On October 5 Loretta and I joined Pastor Gene Roncone and the congregation of Aurora First Assembly for a ground breaking celebration at their new building site. The construction of their new facility is the culmination of many years of planning and work. I believe the Lord has great things in store for the future of this fine congregation.
In between those two exciting experiences was some normal work and then some heartache and complexity as I worked on some difficult situations in the Kingdom of God. Reflecting on the contrast between flourishing situations and hurting situations I realized no matter where you are, life can be very challenging. If you are “on a roll”, you can find yourself overwhelmed by the responsibility, and if you are “under a burden” you can find yourself overwhelmed by the pain. But, Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30.
The law was seen as a yoke by Matthew’s Hebrew audience and the introduction of grace in the person, teaching, and work of Jesus Christ provided relief from the futile dependence upon one’s own righteousness. Being yoked together with Jesus Christ first of all means we are forgiven of our sins and in right standing with God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Second, we find assurance that in Christ we can find rest for our souls in the midst of the challenges of life “For we are God’s fellow workers...” 1 Corinthians 3:8. We are yoked together with Christ in the work He has called us to do. He takes the heavier part of the load and shapes the yoke to fit us. To find His rest; come to Him, take His yoke upon you, and keep learning from Him.
On October 5 Loretta and I joined Pastor Gene Roncone and the congregation of Aurora First Assembly for a ground breaking celebration at their new building site. The construction of their new facility is the culmination of many years of planning and work. I believe the Lord has great things in store for the future of this fine congregation.
In between those two exciting experiences was some normal work and then some heartache and complexity as I worked on some difficult situations in the Kingdom of God. Reflecting on the contrast between flourishing situations and hurting situations I realized no matter where you are, life can be very challenging. If you are “on a roll”, you can find yourself overwhelmed by the responsibility, and if you are “under a burden” you can find yourself overwhelmed by the pain. But, Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30.
The law was seen as a yoke by Matthew’s Hebrew audience and the introduction of grace in the person, teaching, and work of Jesus Christ provided relief from the futile dependence upon one’s own righteousness. Being yoked together with Jesus Christ first of all means we are forgiven of our sins and in right standing with God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Second, we find assurance that in Christ we can find rest for our souls in the midst of the challenges of life “For we are God’s fellow workers...” 1 Corinthians 3:8. We are yoked together with Christ in the work He has called us to do. He takes the heavier part of the load and shapes the yoke to fit us. To find His rest; come to Him, take His yoke upon you, and keep learning from Him.
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