Stop trying to do it all

How many times have you seen “Caution: Two Person Lift” and tried to pick up a box anyway? Call it independence. Call it stubbornness. Call it confidence. Whatever you call this rebellious streak, it always leads to the same place. Insisting, “I got this,” consistently leaves us hurting. 

Like a two-person lift, leadership is not a burden we were meant to carry alone. Leading your group without letting your group contribute is like lifting that heavy box by yourself — it will leave you burned out and beat up. 

That’s the lesson Moses learns in Numbers 11. After hearing people complain about the food for the umpteenth time, Moses basically tells God, “I’m done! Leading these people is more than I can handle” (Numbers 11:14). So God shows Moses another way. 

God distributes His Spirit to 70 elders who can help Moses carry the burden of leadership (Numbers 11:17). And while they only prophesied that one time, Moses learned a valuable lesson. Moses did not feel he had to be the only one God used, and the same is true for you. 

A common lie about leadership says if we’re in charge we have to control every part of the process. The reality is the people in your group were placed there by God. And, God wants to work through them as much as He wants to work through you. 

The temptation is to get jealous when we see God working through other group members in a powerful way. But just like Moses wanted everyone in the camp to experience God’s power and presence, one of the best gifts we can give our group members is a safe place to discover and follow God’s Spirit in them.  

Reflect: 

• Do you feel pressure to do everything for your group? Is there anything you’re currently doing that someone else would love to do or be better equipped to do?
• Do you feel like to be in charge you have to be in control? Why or why not?
• What’s one way your group can become a safe place for others to discover and use their spiritual gifts?