Leadership: The power of motivation!

One basic human longing is to be a part of something that makes us feel good about ourselves. Whether we are bragging about "our" team winning or "our" church's size or ministries or "our" business' success, we love to associate ourselves with something that gives us a sense of worth and satisfaction.

A leader who can tap into that desire will get things done! They will be the leaders who do great things for God and His Kingdom. (Of course, I am making these statements from the "mankind" point of view. Followers of Jesus realize that if God is not in a project, then those who build do so in vain.)

In Exodus 35-36, we have a perfect illustration of this truth:

In Exodus 35:30 - 36:1, Moses stands before the massive Israelite nation. He tells them that because God desires to dwell among them, they must build a tabernacle. Moses does not simply tell the people what needs to happen. He makes it clear that the best of the best will be overseeing the job and (implied) it will be a success that they all will be able to celebrate. 

Exodus 35:30 - 36:1 (New Living Translation)

"Then Moses told the people of Israel, 'The LORD has specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. The LORD has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft. And the LORD has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach their skills to others. The LORD has given them special skills as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet thread on fine linen cloth, and weavers. They excel as craftsmen and as designers. The LORD has gifted Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other skilled craftsmen with wisdom and ability to perform any task involved in building the sanctuary. Let them construct and furnish the Tabernacle, just as the LORD has commanded.'"

We can safely suspect that the Israelites thought, "When the task is completed, I can know that I had a part in it. How can I help!?!?"

As Moses presented this compelling vision to the people, they bought into it. They got excited about it. 

But this wasn't the extent of Moses' leadership in this matter. He also focused on helping the skilled labor experience nothing short of success. He made certain that they had everything they needed to succeed.

Exodus 36:2-3a (New Living Translation)

"So Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and all the others who were specially gifted by the LORD and were eager to get to work. Moses gave them the materials donated by the people of Israel as sacred offerings for the completion of the sanctuary."

We shouldn't be surprised that in this environment, the people got excited! They knew this project had a great chance of success and they wanted to be a part of it. So, they gave ... and they gave ... and they gave! 

This is the natural result when people have been properly motivated by their leader.

Exodus 36:3b-7 (New Living Translation)

"But the people continued to bring additional gifts each morning. Finally the craftsmen who were working on the sanctuary left their work. They went to Moses and reported, 'The people have given more than enough materials to complete the job the LORD has commanded us to do!' So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: 'Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!' So the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings. Their contributions were more than enough to complete the whole project."