21 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.
All groups of people need structure. This is an internal drive, not simply an externally imposed dictate. We all want to know who is in charge. We need structure. Structure provides homes, roads, food delivery, healthcare, and clothing. The list is almost endless. It also provides security and safety. When there is a lack of structure, we generally fall apart in every aspect of our lives. When people are desperate for structure they will put up with abuse. Islam is a good example of this. In countries where Islam is the dominant religion, abuse exists at multiple levels. But the need for structure is so great that they put up with the abuse. As Moses’ father-in-law is helping Moses make the transition from deliverance leader to Promised Land leader, he needs structure. The most we can lead by ourselves is about ten people. If we have more than that, we need sub-leaders to help. Then we begin to lead the sub-leaders and they lead the groups of ten. Every organization sets up a similar hierarchical structure. It is necessary for progress to be made. On a playground, kids will create their own structure. They want to play with each other, but they know instinctively that they need some structure so they create it. They create rules and roles. Then they play. The more kids, the more need for structure. If there is no structure, kids will fight and struggle. Provide a little bit of structure, like a line to wait for an empty swing, and kids are happy. Leave them without structure and they disintegrate into chaos. Homes without structure, rules and roles, fall apart. Dishes don’t get done. Fighting and bickering dominate the social interactions. As a result, they fall apart. The basic needs of the individuals in that family are not met. Moses needed structure in his life. So do we.
The Arnold Journey 