Many ministers today labor under a heavy load. That has never been God's way. We can look at Moses as an example. As Moses led God's people, the work of the ministry overloaded him. He was wearing the people out and wearing himself out too. His father-in-law, Jethro, saw that the work was too heavy for Moses to handle alone, so he gave him God's counsel (Exod. 18:14-24).

Jethro advised Moses to find helpers—to let those with God-given gifts do their part. That counsel forever changed the way Moses did ministry. No longer could he be the only person with the answers. He had to find others to share the work of the ministry. Increase in ministry comes from getting others involved in the business of the church.

Jethro gave Moses four traits to look for as he chose helpers to share the work: "Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness" (Exod. 18:21 NKJV).

It's important for those of us in supportive ministries to possess these four qualities.

Quality #1: Be Able

Michael Jordan was a basketball player of great ability. But he didn't allow himself to be lazy; he developed his abilities. His great plays, soaring slam dunks, and lightning-quick steals were the result of hours of hard work.

Every Christian is endowed with specific charismas—grace gifts (1 Peter 4:10-11). How are we using those gifts? Are we developing them and using them to their greatest potential?

Quality #2: Fear the Lord

1. E. Vine describes the fear of the Lord as "a wholesome dread of displeasing [the Father]." Jesus said, "I do always those things that please him" (John 8:29). The fear of the Lord is the foundation upon which all wisdom finds its stability (Prov. 1:7; 9:10). When you do everything you can to please the Lord, out of reverential fear and worship of Him, you build both your personal and your ministry life on a sure foundation.

Quality #3: Be a Person of Truth

In a world that is increasingly moving away from absolutes, leaders are looking for people who exhibit the rare character trait of truth. Truth means two things for us. First, people of truth are people of the Word, so keep the Word first place in your life. Second, ministers must be people of honesty and integrity. That means your word is your bond.

Quality #4: Hate Covetousness

People who hate covetousness despise dishonest gain. They can't be bought, won't steal what belongs to others, and don't push others out of the way. They are content with what they have and where God has put them, displaying unshakeable ethical and moral character.

These are the biblical qualities that God and leaders are looking for. May we all seek to develop and display them in our lives and be the greatest help and blessing we can to the Kingdom of God.