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How can I be a good supervisor?
Manage conflicts by focusing on what's really important.
Ezra 5:1-6:12
If you've ever had your authority questioned at work, you can identify with Zerubbabel. He was giving his all to an important job—and not only was he not getting any appreciation, he was being attacked! Leaders from other provinces were undermining the morale of Zerubbabel's workers and challenging Zerubbabel's right to do his job.
The Book of Ezra wasn't written to provide management principles. But you can learn from Zerubbabel's example as a godly supervisor. He encouraged his people to stick to the task (5:2) because he knew the record would confirm his authority (6:2, 3). He didn't waste his time or energy in counterattack; he focused on the job he was called to do.
Of course, doing your job well doesn't guarantee you'll be immune from office politics. But when you refuse to be lured into spending your energy on conflicts instead of on your work, you'll have the confidence that comes from knowing you are being faithful to the work God has given you. (See also Exodus 18; 1 Kings 3:5-15; 4:29-34; Jeremiah 32:26-44; John 21:15-25; 2 Timothy 1:1-7; Philemon 8-16; Philemon 15-25.)
Good Words to Remember:
So Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build the house of God which is in Jerusalem. Ezra 5:2
Today's Challenge:
What will you do the next time you're being unfairly attacked?
Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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