Hands Off I

“But select …some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups… They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes… let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves…” Ex.18:21-22

#3. Hands Off. To hands off is to delegate or to outsource. Delegate internally or outsource externally, but hands off. The question is what is that thing that only you can do? In your life, in your marriage, in your home, in your business what is that one thing that only you should be doing? Outsource every other thing, delegate every other thing and focus on that thing alone. Again I can take this to different areas of life. In your business for instance, now that things have stabilized, why are you still doing your bookkeeping? That is the job of an accounting firm so outsource it and let them do it.  It brings simplicity into your life.

In the home, same thing, if you can outsource who sweeps your compound, please do. But please do not outsource who feeds your husband. Find the things that only you can do, and delegate the rest and hands off. The problem with a lot of us is that we do not think. We do not want to take the pains to find out. In leadership for example, there are certain things that only the leader should do and every other thing he can delegate or outsource. With delegating or outsourcing, it is hands off but eyes on. You are still responsible so keep your eyes on it but take your hands off.

“The next day, Moses took his seat to hear the people’s disputes against each other. They waited before him from morning till evening.  When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here?” Ex.18:13-14. I think this is the question we need to ask ourselves, what am I really accomplishing here? I am working from morning till night but what really am I accomplishing here? There are many people who are just working but are not productive. We can get better results with our time. “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed.  “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too…  Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice…” Ex.18:17-19. Determine what only you can do, and back off from the rest.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, in my affairs daily, help me identify tasks I can delegate so that I can focus, be efficient and better positioned to bear fruit, in Jesus Name.