September 24, 2018
Numbers 11:4-6, 10-15 …“Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they come weeping to me and say, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ I am not able to carry all this people alone, for they are too heavy for me.” vss. 13-14
Moses had discovered that being the leader of the Hebrew people wasn’t the glamour job that it at first promised to be. It had been nice in those first weeks as they had made their escape from Egypt. The people were appreciative and gave him all the honor. But once the wandering began, his attitude shifted. He was now the focus of their impossible demands and he got tired of hearing their complaints, so, he complained to God! He felt all the responsibility had been laid on his shoulders and he wanted out; even death was preferable to what he was experiencing. It’s not unusual for servant leaders to become frustrated with their calls. Often they feel underappreciated and overworked! To put it in contemporary terms, they burn out! Generally that happens when leaders believe everything depends on their own skills and abilities, that they’re the only ones who can solve problems or make decisions. Wise servant leaders will recognize that they’re not the only gifted ones and that there are many others who can share burdens–if given the opportunity. That collaborative leadership style may not give recognition or fuel our egos, but the results will be gratifying…and maybe we won’t burn out!
Thought for the Day: What does burnout feel like?
0 Comments