No one likes to hear, “You’re doing it wrong.” It stings … especially if you’ve been pouring your heart into something, trying to do it the right way.
How we respond usually depends on the relationship. If a stranger says it, we might ignore it. But if someone we trust gently offers advice, we’re more likely to listen — and sometimes that advice can change everything.
That’s what happened to Moses in Exodus 18. What he learned that day still teaches us something important: God never intended for us to carry heavy burdens alone.
Moses and the Weight of Leadership
By the time we reach Exodus 18, God has led His people out of Egypt. Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, heard the news and travels to meet him, bringing Moses’ wife and children (Exodus 18:1–6).
Their reunion is warm. Moses shares everything God has done, from the miracles in Egypt to their journey through the wilderness. Jethro rejoices and praises God: “Blessed be the Lord who delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of Pharaoh” (v. 10).
The next day, Jethro observes something troubling. From morning until evening, Moses sits as judge for the people, handling every question, dispute, and problem. At first, it looked admirable … the picture of a hardworking leader. But Jethro sees the danger: “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?” (v. 14)
Moses had taken on too much. He was trying to do it all … and it wasn’t sustainable.
Wise, Constructive Counsel
Jethro didn’t stop at pointing out the problem. He gave constructive, God-honoring advice: “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” (vv. 17–18).
Jethro urged Moses to stay focused on what only he could do: represent the people before God and teach them His word (vv. 19–20). But for the day-to-day disputes, Moses needed help.
So Jethro advised him to appoint capable men … men who feared God, loved truth, and hated dishonest gain … to share the load (vv. 21–22). These leaders would handle smaller cases, while the larger ones would still come to Moses.
This wasn’t laziness or weakness; it was wisdom. Moses took the advice (v. 24), and the burden became lighter — not just for him, but for the people as well.
Lessons for Us
This moment in Moses’ life reminds us of a simple truth: we were never meant to do everything alone. Scripture reinforces this again and again.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor … a cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart” (Ecclesiastes 4:9,12).
Here are three areas where this principle still applies:
1. Evangelism and Teaching
Even Jesus didn’t send His disciples out alone.
- In Luke 9:1–6, He sent the twelve out with power and authority — together.
- In Luke 10:1, He sent seventy others in pairs to prepare the way for Him.
- In Acts, we see Paul with Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, and others.
When it comes to sharing the gospel, don’t try to do it alone. If you’re nervous or unsure where to start, take someone with you … someone who knows Scripture, someone who can help guide the conversation, and someone who can build you up as you grow.
2. Service and Support
In Acts 6, the apostles faced an overwhelming need: widows in the church needed daily care. Their solution wasn’t to take on more work themselves but to appoint qualified men to serve tables so they could focus on prayer and the ministry of the word.
Paul reminds us: “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).
And again: “Through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).
God designed His church so no one has to carry heavy loads in silence — not physically, not emotionally, not spiritually. And at the center of that design is Jesus, who said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
When we bear one another’s burdens, we reflect His love and His presence. Maybe you’re carrying a need in silence — physical, emotional, or spiritual. You don’t have to. Let someone help. Let someone pray with you. Let someone remind you that Christ’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.
3. Wisdom and Counsel
Proverbs says: “Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory” (11:14).
“Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days” (19:20).
Godly advice is a gift. Within every congregation, there are Christians seasoned by experience and grounded in God’s word. They can guide you … in relationships, in decisions, in faith … with wisdom shaped by Scripture.
As Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
Not Alone
The lesson Jethro taught Moses is still true today: it’s not good to try to carry heavy burdens alone.
Sometimes pride keeps us from accepting help. Sometimes fear or embarrassment convinces us to stay silent. But God, in His wisdom, gave us one another. And above all, He gave us Himself. “Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
And remember this promise: “If God is for us, who can be against us? … In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:31, 37).
You are not alone. Not in your struggles, not in your service, not in your faith. Lean on your brothers and sisters in Christ. Lean on the Lord. Because with Him … and through His people … you will always have the help you need.
