Leadership is a journey full of mountain-top and valley experiences. When we examine Moses leading the people of God in the wilderness, we can learn a great deal from his experiences. We get a glimpse into his heart, frustrations, victories, and shortcomings. Exodus 18 is a remarkable passage of Scripture that reveals timeless leadership principles and the kind of leaders God desires.

1. The Lord goes before us.

Exodus 18:1 begins by telling us Jethro had “heard about everything that God had done for Moses and for God’s people Israel when the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt.” Long before we lead, the Lord has established the steps that go before us. It is the Lord who saves, and we are to steward what He gave us. What did the people of God learn from the Lord miraculously saving and sustaining them? That He is “greater than all gods” (Exodus 18:11).

2. Character counts.

Exodus 18:21 describes what kind of leaders God desires. Jethro encouraged Moses to find leaders who are “God-fearing, trustworthy, and hate dishonest profit.” In other words, people of great character. Why is this important? Because your character will drive your decision-making, how you handle conflict, and what you value. Furthermore, you control your own character. There are many things you can’t control as a leader (look at the journey God had Moses on), but you can control the person you are becoming. Remember, you can’t lead others if you can’t lead yourself.

3. Burnout is possible.

Exodus 18:13-14 reveals a significant obstacle many leaders face—trying to do too much. Jethro saw that Moses was trying to do it all on his own. He asked Moses, “Why are you alone sitting as judge, while all the people stand around you from morning until evening?” In verse 18, he gives Moses a stern warning when he tells him, “You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you. You can’t do it alone.” As leaders, we must understand why we do what we do (calling), the importance of times of rest and refocus (renewal), and the value of having people who ask us hard questions and are there for us, no matter what (friends).

4. Equip and release.

Exodus 18:21-22 teaches us another crucial leadership lesson: Moses did not delegate all his responsibilities; he shifted and did what only he could do. The things that needed the attention of Moses attention, still got his attention. The key to effective equipping and releasing is having people who will “Lighten our load” and “bear it with us” (Exodus 18:22b). What will the results be? Verse 23 gives us the answer—endurance (“You will be able to endure”) and effective ministry (“People will be able to go home satisfied”).

5. Be a life-long learner.

Exodus 18:24 tells us that Moses “Listened to his father-in-law (Jethro)” and, in this case, did all that he said. Moses stopped and took the time to learn, grow, and heed advice. Did God use Jethro in the same way as He did Moses? No. Could Moses still learn from Jethro? Yes. The importance lies in listening to our people well, asking effective questions, and learning from those who may have different perspectives and life experiences that can help us grow and stretch as leaders. When we stop learning, we forfeit our responsibility to lead.