All Things to All People

An advertisement in a colonial newspaper listed these qualifications for a housekeeper: "An affable, cheerful, and amiable Disposition; cleanly, industrious, perfectly, qualifies to direct and manage the female Concerns of country business, as raising small stock, dairying, marketing, combing, carding, spinning, knitting, sewing, pickling, preserving, etc., and occasionally to instruct two Young Ladies in those Branches of Economy." Whew! And we think we're busy!

   Juggling a hectic life is not new or unique to women in our culture. However our culture glorifies the multi-tasking woman. Many times we over-schedule our lives because we can't say no. Sometimes we don't want to miss out, so we try to do everything.

   Moses could relate. He led Israel as a prophet, guide, intercessor, teacher, lawyer and judge. (Sound like good practice for motherhood, huh?) In short, he was trying to be all things to the Israelites, But it was too much for him to handle by himself. Fortunately, his wise father-in-law saw that he was wearing himself out. Jethro made a great suggestion: You can't do it alone;share the burden with trusted friends. Moses recognized good advice when he heard it, and so he acted upon it, placing capable leaders over various groups of Isaelites.

   Many people struggle with the "need" to please everyone. But we simply can't be everywhere at once. We can't do everything everyone would like us to do. We can't even do everything we would like to do. Trying to be all things to all people puts us on the fast track to burnout. But when we delegate, we are freed up to focus on the thing God has give us to do.

   Delegating also creates the opportunity for another capable person to grow into a new role. The people around Moses might never have become leaders if he hadn't given them the opportunity. It's the same for us today. Sometimes we stay in a position because we think that we are irreplaceable. Sometimes we're afraid no one else will do it. Maybe there's some pride involved-we think no one else can do the work as well as we do. But failing to share the load may impede another person's God-given potential. Sometimes the best thing we can do, for others and ourselves, is to step aside so someone else can step up.
-Women's Devotional Bible

{Galatians 6:2}
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

{2 Timothy 2:1-3}

1 Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.  

2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.