The other day I was in church and my mind started wandering, as often happens, because he asked a very good question. When God spoke to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:4, it seems to indicate He didn’t speak until He saw Moses turn aside to look at the bush. What about him turning aside was significant? What indeed? And how does that relate to what God sees as significant enough to determine if someone is ready for leadership, and such a major leadership position? Of course, I can’t speak with any amount of authority on this subject, because the Bible doesn’t explain why. But I wonder if God was checking to see how self-absorbed Moses was, and if there hadn’t been other bushes or things God had tried to use to get his attention. Could it be God was waiting for Moses to become selfless enough to be concerned with what was going on around him? I think one of the things that would make a good shepherd is someone who knows the area the sheep are in, so as to avoid the dangerous places. Fire would definitely be a danger to sheep, and it was possible that Moses was looking because he was concerned for the safety of the sheep. Or maybe he was just bored and curious. But one of the things that makes it very difficult for God to use someone is a self-absorbed attitude. Maybe being observant is a characteristic that God looks for in leaders. When you are so focused on yourself and what you are doing that you aren’t even aware of the needs of others, it makes it difficult for you to care for others. Jesus turned aside to help the woman with an issue of blood when He was involved in a life or death situation to heal a child. How much more should we be aware of the needs around us even when we have a pressing schedule?
I think this turning aside also has roots that touch on the area of pride. When we are focused on ourself, we tend to be more prideful. The closer we get to God, the less self-aware and self absorbed we become. That is the essence, or root, of humility. And Moses became the most humble person in the world (Numbers 12:3). A self centered, prideful person is useless to God. So how do we get rid of it? Becoming focused and aware of the needs of others and being willing to help them will diminish and crucify self-centeredness in your life. For Moses, it was caring enough about someone else’s flock as to be willing to investigate something in the area that seemed out of place. So has God been trying to get your attention lately?