“And it came about the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood before Moses from the morning until the evening. 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 before you from morning until evening?’” Exodus 18:13-14
Have you ever had someone point out that you had something on your face or in your teeth, and you had no idea it was there? We are limited in our perspective and can’t see things that are right on us unless we look in a mirror or have it pointed out by someone else. In a similar way, we grow so accustomed to certain things and need someone else to point them out to help us continue to grow. Moses wasn’t coming to Jethro to advice about this matter; it was just something Jethro noticed during his visit with Moses. Moses had grown so accustomed to this practice; he didn’t see it was weighing him down.
Having people that can point out when we have something in our teeth is helpful, although it may be embarrassing and disarming when we first realize the truth. When someone lovingly points out something we may be missing it can feel uncomfortable at first too, and our default reaction can be to get defensive. But this process often opens up an opportunity for growth where we need it the most. All of us have areas to grow and learn, and sometimes it can be hard to see how to do that on our own. This is one of the ways God uses the loving community of the church to sharpen one another and spur one another on for His purposes.
- When has someone pointed out an area of potential growth for you? How did you react?
- Who are some people you are receptive to when they point out an area where you can grow? Who are people you are more resistant to listening to? How can you seek God in discernment in these moments?
Pray about the areas of growth that have been pointed out to you. Ask God to grow your humility to listen and receive from Him, even as it comes through others.
