Moses had a brother. He also had a spokesperson. Eventually, God instructed Moses to identify and commission a high priest for the people of Israel. All of these were the same person—Aaron. These two brothers had the good fortune and incredible challenge of being entrusted with the task of liberating and leading a nation out of slavery and into the Promised Land.

For Aaron, part of the struggle involved his role as a subordinate to his younger brother. This did not always sit well. As Moses’ spokesperson, Aaron at times felt he had as much right as his little brother to be called God’s chosen leader. But when he tried to take matters into his own hands, his lack of judgment and fortitude always got him in trouble. One example of this can be seen in the shameful episode of the golden calf that occurred while Israel was camped at God’s mountain and Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments. Ironically, the people were busy breaking the first commandment even before they were officially delivered!

But when Aaron was fulfilling his role and purpose, he was a capable and helpful teammate. Moses treasured his companionship. But he was always the representative of a greater authority. This was true when he was Moses’ spokesperson as well as when he was designated the first high priest of Israel. These were certainly honorable roles.

As we think about Aaron’s qualities as a role model, we begin with God’s command: "Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us" (Rom. 12:3). When we get distracted by what others are doing, or by thinking that they have been given more importance or value than us, we become less effective in fulfilling God’s purposes. Comparisons almost always lead to false elevation or false demotion. Could there ever be something more fulfilling than doing and being what God intended us to do and be? Like Aaron, life provides us with a continual series of chances to confirm this point. We are at our best when we are doing what God desires and designed us to do.