NO!!! What part of no don't we understand when we become overcommitted — even overcommitted to good work?

Consider Moses in Exodus 18. In a passage that proves the value of a good father-in-law, he is showing and telling his father-in-law, Jethro, all of the good things God has done for the people of Israel in rescuing them from the hands of the Egyptians. In the course of time, as Jethro watches Moses judge the people from morning to evening, he questions Moses about the burden of judging the people alone.

"What you are doing is not good," Jethro declares. "The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone." And he teaches Moses to delegate his responsibility. Scripture says that Moses listened to his father-in-law, and did everything he said. He chose capable men from all over Israel, and made them leaders of the people — officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.

We need to look into the mirror of Exodus 18 from time to time. Are we, like Moses, wearing ourselves out working "morning until evening" in our service and stewardship? Do we think we are indispensable? Are we neglecting a part of our Christian life? And, most importantly, are we doing more damage than good?

If the millions of Israelites were receiving judgment from one man, they were not being well served. It took a host of judges to serve thou­sands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Moses couldn't do it alone, and neither can we. When we are tempted to think we can take on never-ending responsibilities that consume our time from morning to evening, we need to think hard about whether we, in our pride, are trying to do it alone.

The stewardship of our time includes time to meditate in the Word. It includes time to fellowship with our families. It includes time to encourage a friend. It includes time to think about our gifts and how they might best be used. And it includes time to turn the work of the Lord over to gifted young people, and allow others to develop and use their gifts.

Be thankful for Jethro. He reminds Moses, "If you do this, and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied." The work will be done. The people will be satisfied.

You can't do it all! You aren't meant to do it all! God doesn't want you to do it all! Do what you do best. Do what allows the renewal of your strength. Honor God with your whole life, and when you find yourself, like Moses, with a work load that is too heavy, be gracious and "Just say no."