Shared Ministry

Moses' father-in-law said to him. . . "You should look for able men among all the people, men who fear God, are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain. . .  Let them sit as judges for the people at all times; let them bring every important case to you, but decide every minor case themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you."  Exodus 18:17,21-22  

Now here's a concept - shared ministry.  Moses was just like so many of us - he was trying to do it all himself.  For most people, that's the easiest way to burn out in whatever the task is.  Moses was sitting in judgment, listening to all the people who came to him with complaints and disputes. The thousands of people who were traveling with him were overwhelming him with their needs.  He couldn't do it all by himself.  

There are times in our own lives that we feel this need to be self-sufficient, and that's okay up to a point.  But when the tasks of life or our job become overwhelming, then it's time to step back and allow (or invite) others in to help.  There is the old saying, "If you want something done right, do it yourself."  But what we sometimes forget, is that we can teach others how to do things the right way - and yes, that does take time and effort.  And sometimes, just maybe - someone else might have a new way of doing something that's even better than the way we have done it all along.

Just remember that we don't always have all the answers, and God has given us companions on the way who can help us and support us in whatever we do in His Name.