Daily Devotion, August 18, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Exodus 18:13-24.

Jethro cared about his daughter’s family and others. His son-in-law, Moses, had a big job giving out advice and judging situations so he was burning his candle at both ends. Trying to help, Jethro offered Moses advice to help him work in a smarter and healthier way. Jethro said “What you are doing is not good. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.”

Jethro offered this wisdom to Moses in love. He wanted to help Moses avoid the burnout of trying to do all of the leadership himself. Moses was receptive to the advice. He could have ­ignored his father-in-law’s wisdom and continued down the path toward exhaustion, but Moses chose instead to follow Jethro’s advice. He could have taken this as criticism of his work, but instead Moses was willing to be coached. 

Do we get defensive when people offer unsolicited suggestions?  Do we think “who are they to tell me what to do?” But God calls us to assist and work with the people around us. It can mean shar­ing our wisdom or it can mean being willing to be taught. The church should use everyone’s gifts working together for each others’ benefit and for God’s glory. If we can listen, share, and be receptive, we can benefit from the godly wisdom of others that God puts in our path.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, open our hearts so that we can receive the advice of others who try to help us. Encourage us to use our gifts to assist others. Guide us to do your will. Amen.