Exodus 18:13-27
Dr. Tseibu Rutsa
Keyake, Kohima
Bill O’Brien, CEO of Hanover Insurance Company, realized that if he wanted to succeed, members of his leadership team had to be empowered to make increasingly complex decisions. He said that “the fullest development of people who share authority…will ensure financial success.” Giving up some of his power meant that the company would ultimately benefit. Exodus 18:19-21 Jethro said to Moses, "listen now to me and I will give you some advice and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to him. Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. But select capable men from all the people-men who fear God, trustworthy, men who hate dishonest gain-and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Verse 23.." If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied." Sharing power is what God wants and what God expects. It is truly a holy act. Are we willing to allow the kind of leaders we have chosen to actually lead us? We must follow their leadership until and unless they prove they’re no longer capable to lead.
Responsibility is nothing without accountability. Exodus 18:24 says that Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice. He submitted himself to the accountability that was offered. He was willing to be confronted with the cold, hard facts, and he demonstrated the humility to receive the “constructive criticism” Jethro had to offer.
We should choose leaders who are willing to be accountable. Genuine accountability is transformative. Moses followed Jethro’s advice, and his life and the lives of his people were transformed. Everything rises or falls on leadership. If we choose leaders who are God fearing and demonstrate humility and capability, granting them responsibility and expecting accountability, then we will have leaders that will serve us and protect our rights. At the moment we see wickedness, selfishness and ungodly leaders displaying their true natures. My dear fellow Nagas, let us all pray fervently that the truth will prevail, and let our almighty God bring justice to us soon.
God bless NAGALAND
