Leadership and Delegation

There are some great principles taught in the book of Exodus.  One that stood out to me in my reading this week was the story of Jethro (Moses' Father-in-law) counseling Moses.  This story is found in Exodus 18.

The story goes like this:

Jethro came to visit and observed Moses sitting upon the judgement seat from early in the morning until late each evening.

He was doing a great thing.  He was working so hard and advising all the people and helping them each know what God wanted for them.  After observing Moses for a while, Jethro asked what he was doing.  Moses explained in verses 15 and 16, 

"The people come unto me to inquire of God.  

When they have a matter, 

they come unto me; and I judge

 between one the another,

 and I do make them know the statutes

 of God and his laws."

After listening to Moses explain his routine, Jethro said, (verse 17)

"The thing that thou doest is not good."

Jethro went on to explain to Moses that this responsibility was too difficult for one man and that he could not do it all on his own.  This is where Moses' true character shines.  Instead of taking offense and reminding Jethro of his greatness and his leadership among these people, Moses was humble and wise to listen to this older man and take his advice.  

Jethro advised Moses to find men to be lesser judges.  He told Moses to look for these kind of men:

(vs. 21)

Men who fear God

Men of Truth

Men who hate covetousness

Jethro counseled Moses to teach these judges the ordinances and laws, and show them the way they must walk and the work that they must do.  Then Moses was told to allow these lesser judges to judge  the people in all small matters, and that only great matters should be brought to Moses.  (vs. 22)  I love what Jethro says at the end of that verse, "and they shall bear the burden with thee."

This account in the scriptures is still a crucial principle of the modern church.  It would be so difficult for a Bishop of a Ward to meet the needs of each member of his ward.  He relies on the men and women at the head of each auxiliary to help and administer so he can deal only with matters of most importance.  

Likewise, Relief Society Presidents and Elder's Quorum Presidents and High Priest Group leaders can not meet the needs of each individual in their group.  They rely on faithful Home Teachers and Visiting Teachers to assist them in this work.  

The load our Prophet carries is heavy and hard to bear, but he has help in the other leaders who serve with him and help him with these responsibilities.  There are his counselors, the Quorum of the 12 Apostles, the Area Authorities, and the General Auxiliary Presidencies who serve with him, each doing their part to help the work to go forward.  

In 1 Corinthians 12: 14-22 we read,

"For the Body is not one member, but many...

But now hath God set the members of every one

of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.  

And if they were all one member, where were the body?

But now are they many members, yet but one body. 

And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee:

nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

Nay, much more those members of the body, 

which seem to be more feeble, are necessary."

I love this lesson, taught by Jethro.  We should not be expected to do more than we can.  God does not want us run faster than we have strength.  We each have a work to do and, no matter our contribution, we are furthering this work and administering to those in need.  We are laying the foundation of a great work and we each have a part to play, we each have a offering to give.