[Exodus Experience Series] Characteristics Of A Spiritual LeaderSample

The Learning Leader

So far, we have seen three characteristics exhibited by Moses that are indicative of great leadership. Great leaders listen, they lead by example, and they liberate those they are leading. In verses 23 and 24 we see the next characteristic of great spiritual leadership—that of being a learning leader.

After Jethro brought his wise counsel to Moses’ attention—that of delegating leadership to gifted men chosen specifically based on their skills, character, and commitment to God—he stated that the result would mean that Moses would “be able to endure, and the people will have peace.” Applying Jethro’s counsel would bring about perseverance and peace – what a marvelous result. 

Notice, however, that in verse 23 that Jethro spells out two conditions for Moses: first, that he must take action about what he has been counseled to do, and second, that he must learn whether God commanded him to do it. Of primary importance is that he must learn from God. Jethro says, “If God so commands you.” You must learn what you are to do from God.

Moses then learns that he has to learn to compromise. He was doing the work his way and when Jethro saw the result, he shared his counsel on a better way to get the work done, resulting in Moses’ ability to persevere and the people to have peace.

Moses learns that he needs to learn. Take these three things in reverse order and see the mark of a leader—one who knows he needs to learn because he does not know it all; one who knows he needs to learn to compromise because he knows he is not always right; and one who knows he needs to learn from God because God does know it all. 

Solomon understood these things when he gave the wise counsel of trusting the Lord with all of our hearts and not to lean on our understanding. But perhaps God said it best through Isaiah, when He stated that His thoughts and His ways are not our thoughts and ways. Great leaders are learning leaders.