This is your Monday Short meditation (Smile!), even though the scriptural passage may be seen as long by you. It’s not by me, because all scripture is profitable. The passage below, by the way, is usually used to teach how to delegate effectively. But there is some counsel that speaks to giving wise advice to another and receiving wise advice from others. As a side note, you will deduct from this passage that even if you are advanced in years, your God-given purpose may be to offer wise advice. You are still here for a purpose.
In regard to giving advice, when you see a situation and you have wise advice to share as an optional way of doing things, openly speak up in a cordial way. Once you have given your advice, let the receiver determine if he/she acts on your suggestion. If you are the person receiving wise advice, listen carefully, consider the suggested action, pray about the next step, and if you find peace in your heart, act on it.
Don’t forget that when it comes to older people giving you advice, listen, even if you have heard it before. For when they speak from their length of years and their entrenched faith in God, it is surely worth considering. Case in point: Two weeks ago, a 104-year-old member advised the women’s group at our church, speaking with conviction, spoke some familiar words, wise advice: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” She added, “I’m a witness to the truth in the wisdom found in these words.”
You read what I had to say, but don’t just glance below. Read what the word of God has to say before you start your day. You will find it profitable. Be blessed!
“The next day, Moses took his seat to hear the people’s disputes against each other. They waited before him from morning till evening. When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?” Moses replied, “Because the people come to me to get a ruling from God. When a dispute arises, they come to me, and I am the one who settles the case between the quarreling parties. I inform the people of God’s decrees and give them his instructions.” “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him. Teach them God’s decrees and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives. But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.” Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions. He chose capable men from all over Israel and appointed them as leaders over the people. He put them in charge of groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. These men were always available to solve the people’s common disputes. They brought the major cases to Moses, but they took care of the smaller matters themselves.” (Exodus 18:13-26 NLT)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King