A management consultant is one who helps organizations and Individuals enhance their performance by assisting them to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. Moses father-in-law, Jethro, could be considered one of the first management consultants as he provided helpful advice to Moses. Moses was facing a daunting task and the advice Jethro gave to Moses can be helpful to us,

It came about the next day that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood about Moses from the morning until the evening. (Exodus 18:13)

Do you feel at times that you’re working from sun up to sun down. Jethro carefully observed Moses actions,

Now when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge and all the people stand about you from morning until evening?” (Exodus 18:14)

Jethro then made a trenchant evaluation of the situation,

Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you are doing is not good. You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.” (Exodus 18:17-18)

A good consultant not only points out what is wrong, but also offers helpful counsel,

Now listen to me: I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You be the people’s representative before God, and you bring the disputes to God, then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do. Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. Let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that every major dispute they will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.” (Exodus 18:19-23)

Jethro established procedures for Moses including instruction, delegation to capable individuals, job specifications and assignment of responsibility. His advice included a clearly defined chain of command with a realistic span of control. The benefits of the new structure were evident as Moses implemented the plan,

So Moses listened to his father-in-law and did all that he had said. (Exodus 18:24)

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Don’t carry the burden by yourself. Train up people of character to share the work so that you and the people are not unnecessarily burdened.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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