Tuesday, August 25th 2026
A balanced life
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” (Proverbs 19:20)
When people talk about work-life balance, you might think the idea is a modern invention. But the concept goes much further.
A long time ago, “Jethro, the priest of Midian and father-in-law of Moses, heard of everything God had done for Moses and for his people Israel” (Exodus 18:1). He decided to pay Moses a visit. Even though he had given advance notice, it was not easy for Jethro to find time with his son-in-law—Moses was simply too scarce.
Moses was a classic micromanager. From morning until evening a long queue of people brought their cases to him to adjudicate. Concerned, Jethro pointed out: “What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.” (Exodus 18:17–18)
Jethro then offered practical advice. He suggested that Moses appoint capable officials “to serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied” (Exodus 18:22–23).
Moses accepted the unsolicited advice and, from that day on, became a delegator. This freed up time for him to attend to important visitors like Jethro when they called. We can also say it added years to his life by giving him a healthier work–family balance. In retrospect we might wonder why Moses had not sought his father-in-law’s counsel earlier. But once the advice was given, he did not resent it.
Maybe you too are facing the same challenge as Moses waa, but have not realised. You struggle to find quality time for yourself and family. The problem might be with you- you must learn to delegate. Yet you cant do that if you are not trusting enough of those you lead. And to trust you must be willing to let go and have God take over.
Prayer
Heavenly Father Almighty God, Maker of heaven and earth, I thank You for the “Jethros” You have placed in my life. Give me the humility to seek and listen to their advice so that I may avoid unnecessary mistakes. This I pray in Jesus’ name.
