Life lessons from Jethro

1. It is not all about you.

Moses became the center of attention in the Israelite camp hearing all the cases and problems of the people from morning till evening. Jethro observed this taking place and asked Moses, “What are you doing?” Jethro’s advice to Moses was to quit thinking that it was all about himself.

2. We must give priority to our family.

In Exodus 18 verses 1, 2, and 5, Jethro demonstrated respect for the family when he brought Moses’ wife and children back to him. Work or any project must never destroy or replace family life. We must give priority to the family.

3. It is important to listen.

Research tells us that though we spend a lot of time hearing, only between 25-50% of that time are we engaged in really listening. Helping others feel understood happens even more infrequently. Jethro invested time listening to Moses and helping him feel understood. (Exodus 18:8).

4. You can do the right thing the wrong way.

Before Jethro came to see Moses, he used to judge the people alone (Exodus 18:13). Moses was doing the will of God, yet the way he was going about it was wrong, leading him and the people he was serving being worn out. We may also do the same. As a result, we may get frustrated, tired, or confused leading us to question whether what we are doing is truly God’s will.

5. Be open to counsel.

When Jethro told Moses “What you are doing is not good (Exodus 18:17), Moses had a choice. He could have ignored Jethro as soon as he suggested that what he was doing wasn’t good or he could continue listening to what he had to say. Moses made a wise choice and continued listening.

6. We must be teachable.

It is one thing to be taught, but another thing to be teachable. Jethro taught Moses and Moses was teachable. Not only did he listen, Moses did everything Jethro said (Exodus 18:19-24). One of the key lines of the text is, “Moses listened to his father-in-law.” (Exodus 18:24) One dies when one stops learning. Nobody knows it all.

7. Many hands make light work.

Jethro made it clear to Moses that, if it is not all about him, he must build a team. Jethro suggested that Moses mentor leaders who can share in the responsibility of leading. (Exodus 18:24-26). Building a strong team not only helps to address current needs, but also sets the stage for a strong future.

8. Communication is key.

Jethro tells Moses to communicate to the people, to “teach them the statutes and instructions and make known to them the way they are to go and the things they are to do.” (Exodus 18:20) Jethro told him to help the people understand the vision so they can picture where they are headed and what is needed to get there.

9. God has the final say in people’s personal lives

(Exodus 18:23) We must not try to play God in people’s lives. Jethro gave Moses counsel, but he didn’t impose his advice, manipulate him or coerce him. He acknowledged that God, not he, had the final say in the matter.

Application Questions:

What concrete steps have you taken to memorialize your spiritual victories and ensure that God gets all the credit?

Quote:

“The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become – because He made us. He invented us. He invented all the different people that you and I were intended to be. . .It is when I turn to Christ, when I give up myself to His personality, that I first begin to have a real personality of my own.” ― C.S. Lewis

Prayer:

Lord I thank You for reminding me today that it is not about me, but it is all about You. Help me to put You first in my life at all times. Amen