Exodus 18:13 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening. 17 And Moses' father in law said unto him" ....... 18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. 19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee" ..... and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge" ....... 24 So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.
These verses of scripture reveal to us one of the reasons why Moses is referred to in the Bible as the meekest man who lived upon the earth. Even though he was blessed and highly favored of God yet he did not think of himself as being above anyone else in taking good counsel, and when his father-in-law suggested a method by which his service to the people could be run more efficiently, he humbly considered it and implemented the plan, for although it was spoken through Jethro, yet the principle of cooperation is a godly principle, and therefore his advice was definitely in harmony with the scriptures.
For instance in the first chapter of the first book of the Bible, we see the principle of cooperation being actively displayed by The God-head, in that all three members, The Father, Son, and The Holy Spirit cooperated in the work of creation, and when it was time to make man, all three took an active part. Let's read:
Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.
Job 33:4 The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
When the Bible speaks of walking humbly with God, some of us may not understand what is entailed, for we may at times manifest an attitude that keeps us aloof from any counsel or guidance that may come through a human channel that we may think of as questionable. Now while it is true that we must always test any suggestions or advice by the word of truth, yet we should bear in mind that God is able to speak through any human channel. He spoke through Balaam, Saul, Nebuchadnezzar, a donkey, and if it became necessary, He would even speak through stones too.
What we must make sure of is that we test everything by the word of God, and we also should not allow the human agent used, to deter us from at least considering what advice is being given. It is wise to focus on the content of a message or advice being given, and not so much the messenger who brings it. The habit of looking on the outward appearance is what led many of the Jews to reject Christ, and because external glory means much to some people, the sacred truths of God's word are sometimes not well received, because the human agent might not have attended one of the prestigious institutions of the day. As a matter of fact, the tendency to ask who is preaching next week, reflects the same queries which often cause us to harbor a mental block, or otherwise, a receptive mind to future presentations.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to cultivate humility as a treasured characteristic, and by the grace of God, we will be saved from making critical mistakes in life. Let's read:
Proverbs 1:2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. 5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
May God add His blessing to the study and doing of His every word. "Good night" and God bless!