John Stanko

"I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship . . . ." - Exodus 31:3.

Bezalel is the name of the man described in this verse, and he was a craftsman, chosen by God to do special work. He became a leader of the people and others craftsmen based on his skill, experience, and gifts. He was one of the best at what he did. This is what's called expert or charismatic leadership, for the head craftsman because God had given him a specific ability and that in and of itself qualified him to lead. Not all leaders are equal, for there are some who are more gifted than others and have insights that are unique to them and their work. Yet all who are skilled will eventually lead something, somewhere, if they don't resist their mandate to lead.

LEADERSHIP STEP: Do you have the desire to be the best, to be world-class in or at what you do? Then are you willing to lead based on the skill you were given and have developed over time? Don't dismiss that as simply your overactive ego, but accept it as a desire that God gave you. Rather than fight it, go with it and lay out a plan for how you can gain even more knowledge, skill, and insight in your chosen area of work. That may involve school, working for several companies, or an apprenticeship. Then go be the best anyone will see in their lifetime in your area of knowledge.