Reading from the book of Exodus, we see Moses in the role of leadership, leading the children of Israel as they journey in the wilderness. At one point we find Moses sitting from morning unto the evening judging between two who had a problem, or counseling with those with various matters, and answering questions from those who inquired of God (Exodus 18:13-26).

Moses was engaged in a good and much needed work. However, it would be difficult, if not impossible, for him to counsel the people full-time and at the same time oversee the many responsibilities assigned to him. After a discussion and some good advice from Jethro, his father-in-law, Moses set priorities and delegated authority.

Delegating authority is not easy for many of us. Some work I completed myself should have been delegated to others; but because I could finish the job before I could show another person how, or what to do, I just did it myself. No doubt, you are already thinking of a list of reasons why these jobs should have been delegated to another. Our mistakes can be our best teacher if we will profit from them. In my early years of serving as an elder, I once devoted too much time in one segment of work, resulting in poor leadership in other areas. Upon following the forgoing example of Moses, I set my priorities in order, resulting is better leadership. Consider the following questions:

First, do I study in word of God daily that I may be able to by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers (Titus 1:9)? If we stop our growth, we stop the growth of the church. I do not believe a congregation can rise above its leaders.

Second, do we give time to our physical family? “For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God (1 Timothy 3:5). We should strive for a balance in this area, not neglecting the home or the church. If a congregation is active, it is very difficult for any one elder and his wife to attend every activity connected with the members of the church. There are class fellowships and many other activities for the older members. Every elder would like to attend every activity, but it is difficult. However, most members are very considerate concerning these matters.

Third, do we monitor all jobs after authority has been delegated to insure that the Lord’s word is being done?

Fourth, do we make ourselves available to our members? Are we concerned when they hurt and do they know that we care?

Copied from The Messenger, South Florida Avenue’s Bulletin

Envy is fresh heat from torment. It blisters itself with its own perverted thermology; it makes itself miserable with its own miseries; it sorrows because it cannot rejoice in another’s fortune.

Envy is negative and destructive. Discontent because of what others have will not add to your possessions. There is, however, greatness in climbing on your own virtues-not in seeing others depressed to your level.

Be stirred with love-not envy. Be too big to begrudge, too good to be dissatisfied with your neighbor’s prosperity.

Furthermore, appearances are too deceptive for us to envy anybody.

If every man’s internal care
Were written on his brow,
How many would our pity share
Who raise our envy now?
Pietro Metastasio

“Again, I considered all travail, and every right work,
that for this man is envied of his neighbor. This is
also vanity and vexation of spirit” (Ecclesiastes 4:4).

Submitted by Sue Jay

Modern technology has given us a valuable tool in communication. Business is made easier and family and friends can stay in close contact with one another. It is a simple device, easy to use and most every household has several. We get plenty of practice on them every day. Our children play-act with them and want to use them “regularly” at an early age. Our young people have become obsessed with them. Of course we are talking about the telephone (landline or cellular).

The Christian should see a useful tool for the cause of Christ. Some evangelism, benevolence, and exhorting of the saints can be done on the phone. No one should use the excuse they can’t find anything to do for the church. Use the phone and invite a friend or neighbor to Bible study or worship. Encourage a delinquent member or check up on our sick. Use the phone to do the leg work for benevolence or the church’s physical and spiritual needs. The old expression, “let your fingers do the walking...” takes on a whole new meaning with TM (text messaging). Maybe we can send a spiritually uplifting and encouraging message to someone today?

More and more the phone is a valuable tool everyone can use and most of us cannot live without. Surely we will follow up with personal contact if possible and necessary. But let’s not over look our phone in our work for the Lord.

There isn’t a word
that a preacher can say
No matter how lovely or true.
Nor is there a prayer
that his eager lips pray
That can preach such a sermon as you.

You vowed to serve Christ and men know that you did,
They’re watching the things you do;
There isn’t one action
of yours that is hid,
Men are watching and studying you.

You say you’re no preacher.
Yes, but you preach a wonderful sermon each day,
By the acts of your life
and things that you say.

So, Christian,
remember you bear His dear name;
Your life is for others to view.
You are living examples,
men praise you, or blame,
And measure ALL CHRISTIANS BY YOU!

Author Unknown