Jesus was on planet earth less than thirty-four years, and He never wrote a book or built a cathedral. Yet, His message is going to the ends of the earth because He delegated the task to others.
Yes, we have His Spirit, a spate of gifts, the promise of power and His presence, but we, His disciples, are the ones tasked with making disciples of all nations. Why is it so hard to follow His example?
Nations are ruined because kings ignore their ambassadors.
Businesses go bankrupt because the most talented people leave.
CEO’s fail because they promote family rather than the gifted.
Christian organizations languish because their leadership micromanages.
Pastors burn out because they try to do everything themselves.
Some accused are in prison because they represented themselves.
All these have in common that they are unwilling to delegate, in the broadest sense. There are times when you must go it alone, and when there is no immediate, qualified help. But often, we just choose to do things ourselves.
Perhaps we do so because of our own deficiencies rather than those of the talent pool. We don’t want to train others. Or maybe it’s because we don’t trust others. They may not do the work as well as we do. Or they may show us up by doing it better!
It’s interesting that “teaching” is among the spiritual gifts, but delegation is not. Maybe that’s because it is a character issue rather than a talent issue. We may not be gifted teachers, but everyone and anyone can delegate. However. . .
Delegation requires patience, and willingness to explain.
Delegation requires working with people unlike yourself.
Delegation requires considering and adopting new ideas or methods.
Delegation requires a commitment to the next generation.
Delegation requires a sense that you are not going to live forever.
Building a team and helping others discover and develop their own gifts are among the most gratifying of experiences. Why not write delegation into our job description if it’s not already there? 2 Timothy 2:2
Think through the lives of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Daniel, and the Apostle Paul. All of them had a passion to do God’s will. All of them were successful in their work for God. All of them left the world better than they found it.
None of them worked alone.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-30