Delegate

 

One of the most difficult things to do when you have a business is to delegate your work. You cannot do it all. Even if you are a single proprietor and have no employees you must delegate.

Short story:

Moses was in the desert with the Israelites and every day he sat as judge from morning till night. Jethro his father in law saw this and told him that it was not good because he will wear himself out.

 

We see in Exodus 18:21

“Delegate the work. Set managers over thousands, hundreds, the fifties and tens.

 

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.”

 

The same must be done in business. You cannot possibly be an expert in everything or do everything. Find people who you trust and can shop out certain tasks to. Yes, I know that money probably is tight, but by not having to do jobs that you are not good at, don’t like to do, and drag your heels at doing you will most likely be less stressed, have it done properly, on time, and you will have the time to work on things that can move your business forward.

 

Short story:

Jesus was resurrected from the dead and the apostles were preaching, and their numbers were dramatically increasing. People came and shared all that they had and did things communally. The Hellenistic Jews complained that the Hebraic Jews were overlooking their widows in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and told them to select seven men filled with the Spirit and wisdom to oversee the distribution of the food. They wanted to give all their attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.

 

Acts 6:3

 

Brothers and sisters choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.

This is a perfect example of doing what they needed to do, focusing on what is most important, and sticking to the knitting – doing what they knew best. Always do what you know best. You probably got into the business because you were very talented in a few things and didn’t want a boss looking over your shoulder. You are now the boss and you have to make the tough decisions. The hardest decision is to let go of some things even if you think you can’t afford to.

It all boils down to the gifts the God gave us:

Ephesians 4:11-13

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

 

Romans 12:6-8

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

Why do I bring Spiritual gifts into the conversation, shouldn’t I be talking about natural talents instead? Basically, a talent is something that you are born with. It is not something that you learn but rather something that you can improve and enhance.

 

 

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

 

1 Peter 4:10-11

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

What is the difference between spiritual gifts and natural talents?

Natural talents are physical abilities to do special things. Some natural talents might be musical ability, carpentry, mechanical aptitude, and artistic skills. Spiritual gifts are spiritual abilities to do certain things. Natural talents are often the vehicle through which spiritual gifts can be used. For example, a Christian vocalist may have the spiritual gift of evangelism being expressed through the vehicle of musical talent.

Michael Hyatt wrote it best when he advises:

1. Admit that working non-stop is unsustainable.
2. Understand your unique calling.
3. Select qualified leaders to assist you.
4. Give these leaders responsibility and authority.
5. Only do those things which others cannot do.

Finally, I want to end with

Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,