Sometimes we need a fresh perspective from wise counsel. We all can benefit from having a more experienced mentor in our lives, whether it’s for advice on daily matters or for spiritual guidance.
In turn, we can serve as a resource for others who can benefit from our knowledge and experiences. It’s a generational act of paying it forward. We are called to disciple others and to pursue discipleship and accountability within the Christian community.
The idea of discipleship guarantees that faith—and the practical wisdom gained through life—is not lost after just one generation but is repeatedly multiplied and reinforced through intentional relationships.
One notable example of this in the Bible is when Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, visited him in the wilderness and watched Moses judge disputes among the people (Ex. 18:13-23, NLT). Moses served as a mediator. Only Jesus surpassed Moses as an intercessor between God and humans (Acts 17:26; Heb. 3).
Still, Moses took on the burden of handling all cases himself. Jethro advised him on how to organize the people and delegate the minor disputes to honest men who feared God, so that neither the people nor Moses would become exhausted. Moses listened to Jethro (18:12-24). In today’s world, we would call this experiencing burnout.
It’s always wise to step back and evaluate how much we’ve taken on ourselves when others can assist. We also need mental breaks and time with God to reassess our load, recharge, and be filled so we can better serve others. Running on empty isn’t good for us or those we serve. Sometimes, we have to say no to good things in order to say yes to better ones.
Jethro’s wise advice illustrates God’s leadership approach of providence—delegating authority (NLT Study Bible Notes).
Jesus exemplifies a leader who delegates. As Biblehub.com explains, He didn’t hoard all the work; instead, He trained others and empowered them to join His mission. The Twelve Apostles (Mark 3:14-15; Luke 9:1-6) are an example: Jesus chose twelve disciples, gave them “power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases,” and sent them out to preach the kingdom of God. This was His initial delegation of ministerial duties. Later, He appointed seventy-two more disciples who went out two by two to all the towns and places He planned to visit. This helped spread the message more widely and quickly.
Jesus consistently emphasized the importance of rest, solitude, and spiritual renewal—concepts often called withdrawal or retreat. He balanced demanding ministry work, like teaching, healing, and feeding crowds, with intentional times away from people’s demands (Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12; Mark 6:30-32; Luke 22:39-44). This biblical pattern highlights the need to avoid burnout, devote time to God, and prioritize rest and renewal.
Please tune in next week for Part Two of “Paying It Forward,” when we will explore the other side of the relationship and how Moses helped Jethro.
Faith Walk Ministries, Inc. 