Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- May 18, 2013
“The Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them” (Exodus 39:42–43).
We live in an instant society. We want relationships, money, and our dining experiences in an instant. In the process of making everything instantaneous, we have lost something. We have lost an appreciation for thoroughness in our work and in our relationships. We take shortcuts to finish on time, sacrificing quality, just to end up with an inferior outcome. Or even worse, we misrepresent the facts or lie outright to reach a goal because of the pressure we feel to produce. Thoroughness requires attention, trust, and tenacity.
Whatever happened to thoroughness—the discipline to plan ahead, provide accountability, cover the details, create a beautiful result, and celebrate the success? Instead, we plow ahead without proper understanding and procedures. Everyone does what is right in his own eyes, and we miss the opportunity to learn and benefit from one another. Indeed, thoroughness begins with a good example from the leader. Like Moses, Nehemiah stayed focused on the work at hand.
“So I sent messengers to them, saying, ‘I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?’ They sent messages to me four times in this manner, and I answered them in the same way” (Nehemiah 6:3–4 nasb).
Moses was a thorough leader. He listened patiently to God and then delivered in detail to the team what was expected and required to accomplish the project. He understood and applied wise management of people. He understood each of their individual gifts and skills. People who take pride in their work are the most thorough when they are competent in their area of responsibility and clear on expectations. They understand what is needed and when it is to be complete. Details and deadlines are friends of thoroughness.
Lastly, thoroughness is dependent on the resources and relationships needed to carry out the project. Do not be afraid to be resourceful. Seek out the people and information needed to carry out your job. Your thoroughness will speak volumes to your boss and to your peers. Your thorough and excellent work is the best testament to your trust in Christ. In the end you are blessed because of the quality product or service you created. God is glorified through thoroughness and the enduring influence of your work experiences.
“I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began” (John 17:4–5).
Prayer: What current project requires my thorough attention to detailed implementation?
Related Readings: Genesis 7:5; Exodus 23:21–22; Matthew 28:20; 2 Timothy 2:15
Taken from the May 18th reading in the 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God” volume 2… http://bit.ly/Tv6y9a
Post/Tweet: Details and deadlines are friends of thoroughness. #bethorough
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© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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In view of the topic, a bit surprised that Moses was sited as the thorough leader. Nehemiah spoke the words quoted. My eight year old granddaughter and I read and discussed his story this morning. Both were faithful leaders.
As are you, Boyd Bailey!
While reading this topic on thoroughness of work, I couldn’t help but think of my Mother who was a very particular person in her work ethics and I hope some of her evenutally helped me on my work habits. Thanks for this article.
Cindy you are right, I could have been clearer. My Moses comments referenced the opening verse, while to your point the Nehemiah verse just preceded. Yes both are great examples! Have a blessed Sunday. A fellow servant of Jesus, Boyd