Verse
Exodus 18:21
21 Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
Teaching
Jethro’s criteria included ability, reverence for God, truthfulness and resistance to dishonest gain. Competence matters, but influence without character is dangerous. Delegation calls for discernment, not simply finding whoever is available. Although this important change in community leadership is written in a short paragraph, applying it would have taken significant time. I can imagine a process of vetting candidates and reviewing testimonials from the whole community. Leaders and the character which defines them require time and a track record. Living an honourable life in private provides God and your community with the opportunity to experience and enjoy your abilities. As the saying goes, your gifts may get you noticed, but your character will determine your real and ultimate impact.
Quote
“Talent may open a door, but character determines what happens inside.”
Instruction
Write the three character qualities essential for a responsibility you are assigning.
