Categories
Bible Insights

Moses and the Art of Delegation

Wise Leaders Delegate

After Moses led the people out of Egypt, God gave him some specific instructions for constructing a place of worship. Moses was not supposed to do the actual work, but was charged with making sure it was done correctly.

It required delegation.

Here is what he did:

Moses Selected Capable People with Good Character

Successful delegation requires finding the right people; not everyone is ready or able to receive delegation. Although it was ultimately God who made the selections, it was Moses who carried it out (Exodus 35:30-33).

Moses Provided the Resources Needed to Do Their job

Moses gave all of the gifts that had been received to the people he selected. Because of their character, there was no need to be concerned about them misusing these resources (Exodus 36:3).

Moses Inspected Their Work

Since Moses was ultimately responsible for the results, he wisely inspected their work.Because the right people had been chosen for this task, this was an easy step and their work met expectations (Exodus 39:42).

Moses Took Responsibility For the Results

The people were first esteemed for their fine work, but later Moses also received accommodation for the results. Similarly, had the work not been completed or done appropriately, Moses would have received the blame. 

Such is the responsibility of management (Exodus 40:33).

Moses and Delegation

This was not the first time that Moses delegated work. At his father-in-law’s advice, he set-up and trained a network of judges to help guide the people.

Prior to this, Moses spent each day with people lined up to see him (Exodus 18:17-26).

When we’re overwhelmed by the work before us, can we apply Moses’s example of delegation to get the job done?

[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Exodus 35-37, and today’s post is on Exodus 35:30-33.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.