Be Careful Of The Support
You Give and to Whom!
Deuteronomy 3
KJV
28+ But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.
The principle of delegating authority is one of the most challenging that a leader faces. A recent survey report I came across highlighted this as the main reason why many ageing leaders are still in their posts.
This is true everywhere you turn your glance, be it ecclesiastical or secular, many are insecure concerning the future of the enterprise they’ve invested their lives in.
Despite the challenges delegating authority presents, Moses was tasked to hand over to Joshua; all that he needed to do was captured in these words ;
Deuteronomy 3:28
NIV
But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see."
“Commission, encourage and strengthen “are words with deep meanings and implications which must be considered in delegating anyone.
First is the “ commission” which implies first selecting and bringing on board a person with the potential to lead. Moses “ commissioned” Joshua when he chose him to work with him! The basic determining criteria here is “ character !“This was what Moses saw in Joshua.
If you read of how Paul brought Timothy onboard you’ll notice the same, a positive testimony was borne of him;
Acts 16:1-2
NIV
Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. [2] The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him.
Such is the importance that this exercise commands that Paul cautioned Timothy against hasty delegation of authority. Many have regretted “ laying hands “ on some read this cautionary statement;
1 Timothy 5:22
NIV
Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
If you “ lay hands” ( delegate authority ) on the wrong person you share in the consequences of whatever wrong he does hence Paul said “do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.”
So, do not live to regret be careful to whom you give support!
A word to the wise!