Someone I used to know would bug me, begging to know how many of my two published daily devotional books I’d sold. They were for sale through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and a couple other retail outlets that I can’t remember right now. He just knew that I’d sold almost nothing. Or so he wished. That I was probably a big failure. At least in his eyes. Smugly playing the numbers game with me. Sorry, I opted out at the very beginning. Actually, I’ve never known exactly how many have been sold. Too bad, so sad. But that’s me!

Pastors love to compare budget and membership numbers. Egos run amok. Pegging each other on some success chart. Strangely, others wallow in poor performance, satisfied with little or even less. ‘Woe is me, ‘ they chant almost with glee. Never could understand them.

The bloke, who wanted to play the numbers game of my book sales, bristled at my wishy-washy answers. He just had to know how many were sold. Probably thought three at the most, with me buying those paltry few tomes to foist on a couple of unlucky distant relatives. So, I became like a stubborn mule when he’d badger and bully me for results. I doubt I would have fessed up with the right number, anyway! Even if I knew, which I didn’t and still don’t!

Now the Bible is filled with numbers. Even one of the Old Testament books is so named. What I’m looking at can be found in Exodus chapter 18. Moses leads his people out of Egypt through God’s miraculous intervention. Old man Moses gets weary to the bone with people’s issues, arguments, compromises, lack of faith, and you name it. Moses winds up worn to a frazzle.

His father-in-law urges him to get some help. To lighten the load by sharing the burden with qualified helpers–‘…look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace’ (Ex. 18: 21-23).

I can see Moses coming my way, not asking about book sales, but checking out how much of a helping hand I’m offering. What I can handle with compassion and care. Not trying to stick my nose in where it doesn’t belong, but pointing others to the Lord for His help and guidance. Bottom line: to be a godly man, not just to display a lapel pin, but to have a heart for Jesus. That’s what Moses will look for in me.

His conclusion? You’d like to know, wouldn’t you? So would I, but in reality, if I get to manage the smallest group, those ten, then I’m happy as a clam. If that’s what the Lord sees in me. If more, I’ll sink my teeth into the project not to let down Moses, that old duffer. But to give him a much-needed break. Maybe have him around longer, as we need good, godly leaders. Don’t we?

Then do your part. Help out. In little or big ways. Refusing to be bamboozled by another’s heavy-handed verbal taunts. Do what the Lord wants you to do. Someone needs your help. Doing whatever for Jesus would be much better than playing that toxic numbers game. Wouldn’t it?

Lord Jesus, use me to further your Kingdom. It’s such a privilege to work for you. Always for your sake. Amen.