The Gift of Friendship
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.—Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)
“Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you.”—EXODUS 18:19 NIV
Moses was doing too much.
Exodus 18:2–3 tells us that the great leader of Israel sent away his wife Zipporah and their sons. Though the Bible doesn’t elaborate, it appears that Moses was working too hard—possibly even neglecting his family. Maybe he sent them away because he couldn’t work as hard as he was working and care for the family at the same time. Whatever the reason, his father-in-law Jethro decided to visit.
The next morning as usual, Moses got up to go to work. After observing Moses’ exhausting routine, Jethro sat down with his son-in-law. “Why are you doing all the work yourself?” he asked. “You need to start delegating.”
Moses was working so hard that he had lost his objectivity. Jethro provided him with a different—and helpful—perspective.
It’s easy to get caught up in the “tyranny of the urgent” and lose perspective. When we take a step back and look at our lives more objectively, we often see alternative ways of doing things. Such insights can come from a trusted friend or relative.
What is there about your present situation that might require perspective from someone else? Is there something you could be doing differently? Is there a task you could be delegating or an option you haven’t considered? Learn from Moses—take the advice of someone who could offer you a much-needed perspective.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the perspective that others can bring. Teach me to listen to and heed wise advice.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.—Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)
But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.—Jonah 1:3 (ESV)
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.—Isaiah 1:17 (NIV)