MEMORY SCRIPTURE
Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
(Proverbs 24:3-4)
Workplace leadership development empowers people to inspire innovation and positive change, shape future leaders and foster teamwork for continuous improvement.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. Dec. 1:The Nurturing Of A Goal-driven Leader (Psa. 78:72)
Tue. Dec. 2:Act Of Leading With Compassion (Matt. 9:36)
Wed. Dec. 3: The Leader: A Source Of Comfort (1Sam. 22:1-2)
Thur. Dec. 4: The Embodying Servant Leadership (Matt. 20:26)
Fri. Dec. 5: The Leader Creates Mutual Respect Culture (Col.3:12)
Sat. Dec. 6: The Mindset Of Servant-Leadership (Eph. 4:12)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Let us refine our God-given leadership skills as we partner with Him in our workplaces.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: EXODUS 31:2-5; 36:1-2,8ff; 38:22-23; Esther 2:19-23; 6:1ff; Proverbs 24:3-4; Matthew 20:26-28; Ephesians 4:11-13; Colossians 3:23-24
We give all glory to God Almighty for guiding us into another lesson in this series. Last week, we explored the topic of Ethical Leadership Development in the Marketplace. The Lord is just in all His ways, and He expects Christians to uphold justice and honesty, demanding fairness and integrity in business dealings. These are crucial aspects of a Christian leader’s ethics.
Today, we move from the marketplaces to our workplaces as we delve into Leadership Development in the Workplace. We’ll examine this through the lens of godly principles, seeking to cultivate effective leadership. It’s essential to recognise that whatever lawful occupation we engage in, we should consider it sacred. We see this exemplified in the life of Mordecai, who, as the king’s gatekeeper, established godly principles and fostered leadership development in the workplace.
Additionally, we shall explore how Bezalel created ethical work environments conducive to ethical development. Let’s pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us to understand and implement God’s intentions for us in this study.
LESSON OUTLINE
- GOD’S WORKPLACE PRINCIPLES FOR LEADING WELL
- BEZALEL SHAPES ETHICAL WORKPLACES TO EXCEL
LESSON EXPOSITION
GOD’S WORKPLACE PRINCIPLES FOR LEADING WELL (Est. 2:19.23; 6:1ff; Prov.24:3-4: Mat.20:26-28; Eph. 4:11-13; Col. 3:23-24)
Through wisdom a house is built. and by understanding it is established.
(Prov.24:3).
a) Prov., 24:3-4: Building leadership upon wisdom, understanding and continuous learning ensures a strong foundation, nurturing the drive and potential in leaders or sucess in the workplace (Psa.78:72).
b) Matt. 20:26-28: This shows God’s principles for good leadership at work. It stresses being humble and serving others. It urges us to put others first, like Jesus did as a servant-leader.
c) Col. 3:23-24: Working with honesty and dedication, acknowledging our duties to the Lord, encourage ethical leadership, as We lead by examples in speech, actions, love, faith and purity.
d) Eph. 4:11-13: Leaders are tasked with equipping and building up others for service. This promotes a culture of growth and development in the workplace.
e) Est. 2:19: The ancient city gate was a hub of leadership and justice (cf.
Ruth 4:1; Dan. 2:48-49). Mordecai’s conduct highlights serving God amidst workplace challenges, honing leadership amidst ungodliness.
f) vv.20-23; 6:3: Mordecai’s integrity in using his position for the greater
good, coupled with patience for delayed recognition, highlights the godly mind-set for leadership preparation and the avoidance of seeking immediate rewards.
g) 6:1f: After years of preparation, Mordecai’s eventual honour underscores the principle that preparation precedes manifestation in godly leadership.
BEZALEL SHAPES ETHICAL WORKPLACES TO EXCEL (Exod. 31:2-5; 36:1-2,8ff; 38:22-23)
And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.
(3 1:3).
a) 31:2-5: God personally appointed Bezalel to exhibit ethical excellence in the workplace (1 Pet. 2:9). Filled with God’s Spirit, he exemplified how divine inspiration fosters ethical workplaces (35:30-35).
b) v. 3: Bezalel’s leadership shows skill and wisdom, crucial for ethical workplaces (cf. 35:34a). By these, he provided training and
instruction, showcasing his leadership development and commitment to excellence (cf. 35:34).
c) 36:1-2: Bezalel and Oholiab worked with skilled artisans. This shows the importance of teamwork, unity and faithfulness in ethical workplaces.
d) vv. 2,8ff: Bezalel’s leadership among skilled artisans set standards for ethical workplaces. He inspired creativity and fostered culture of excellence (cf.35:34;36:1).
e) 38:22: He showed accountability, carefulness and meticulous attention to detail (39:42-43). All these reflect excellence in the workplace.
f) vv. 22-23: His thoroughness in accounting promoted transparency and accountability integral to ethical workplaces. No wonder God filled the Tabernacle with His glory, affirming divine approval of Bezalel’s work in the ethical workplace (cf.40:1-2).
LESSONS DERIVED
- Mordecai exhibited godly principles in his workplace and he was promoted in leadership.
- Bezalel and Oholiab developed their leadership graces and skills in their workplaces.
QUESTIONS
- In a workplace where corruption is normalised, how should Christians respond? Explore this issue in the light of Esther 2.21-22.
- How did Bezalel foster ethical work environments for leadership development?
