Module 4
Humility, Teachability, and Respect for Authority
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” — 1 Peter 5:6
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Practice humility and teachability as a new employee
- Show respect for authority in words and actions
- Distinguish respect from accepting mistreatment
- Know how to report harassment or unsafe conditions
Lesson Notes
Joseph: Serving Well Under Authority
Joseph served Potiphar, then the prison keeper, then Pharaoh. In each place he worked so faithfully that he was given more responsibility (Genesis 39–41). Even when treated unjustly, he did not become bitter or lazy.
Teachability
New employees who ask questions, accept correction, and try again quickly earn trust. Pride says I already know; humility says Show me how you want it done here.
Respect for Authority
Scripture calls us to respect those in authority (Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:18). At work this means following reasonable instructions, speaking respectfully, disagreeing privately, and not undermining supervisors to coworkers.
Respect Is Not Accepting Abuse
Respecting authority never requires accepting harassment, discrimination, unsafe conditions, or requests to break the law. You have workplace rights. Know your employer's reporting process, document what happens, and seek help from HR, a trusted leader, or outside agencies such as the EEOC if needed.
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Humility | An honest view of oneself that is open to others |
| Teachability | Willingness to learn and accept correction |
| Harassment | Unwelcome conduct based on sex, race, or other protected traits, or conduct that creates a hostile environment |
| HR | Human Resources |
In-Class Activities
Joseph Study
Read Genesis 39:1–6 and 39:20–23. List three qualities Joseph showed and how each could look in an office.
Respect or Report?
Decide whether each situation calls for respectful compliance, respectful private disagreement, or reporting: a supervisor changes your task list; a supervisor makes repeated comments about your body; a supervisor corrects you sharply in front of others once; a supervisor asks you to skip a safety step.
Assignment: New Employee Plan
Write a plan for your first 30 days at a new job:
- How you will show teachability.
- Three questions you will ask your supervisor in week one.
- How you will respond to correction.
- Where you would go if you experienced harassment.
Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Joseph was mistreated yet stayed faithful and did not become bitter. Is there bitterness from past authority figures that you need God to heal so it doesn't follow you into a new workplace?
Prayer focus: Ask God for humility, a teachable spirit, and healing from past mistreatment.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
Joseph's Faithfulness, and Knowing Your Rights
Joseph was sold as a slave, falsely accused, and imprisoned. Yet in Potiphar's house, in prison, and finally in Pharaoh's palace, he served so faithfully that he was given more and more responsibility (Genesis 39–41).
Joseph shows us humility and teachability: doing excellent work under authority even when life was unfair. New employees who say Show me how you want it done here and receive correction well earn trust quickly.
At the same time, respecting authority never means accepting abuse. Harassment, discrimination, unsafe conditions, and requests to break the law are not things you must endure. You have rights. Know your employer's reporting process, document what happens, and seek help from HR, a trusted leader, or outside agencies such as the EEOC.
Many women have been harmed by people in authority. God is not like those people. He defends the oppressed (Psalm 9:9). Healing from past harm can free you to work under good authority without fear.
Think About It
- What does teachability look like for you? ______________________
- How has past authority affected how you respond to supervisors? ______________________
- Where would you go for help if you were mistreated at work? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 4
The Lord Was With Joseph
And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man.— Genesis 39:2 (KJV)
Even as a slave, Joseph was not alone. God is with you in hard places too.
Reflect: Where have you felt God with you in a hard place?
Pray: Lord, be with me as You were with Joseph.
Do: Thank God for His presence in a difficult season.
Humble Yourselves
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.— 1 Peter 5:6 (KJV)
Humility trusts God with our rise.
Reflect: Where do you need humility?
Pray: Lord, give me a humble heart.
Do: Ask someone to teach you something.
A Refuge for the Oppressed
The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.— Psalm 9:9 (KJV)
God does not ignore mistreatment. He is a refuge.
Reflect: Where do you need God's refuge?
Pray: Lord, be my refuge.
Do: Write down one resource you would use if mistreated at work.
Meant for Good
Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.— Genesis 50:20 (KJV)
Joseph saw God's hand even in injustice. God can bring good from your story.
Reflect: What good might God bring from your hard experiences?
Pray: Lord, bring good from what was meant for evil.
Do: Thank God for one way He has redeemed pain.
Teachable
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge.— Proverbs 12:1 (KJV)
Loving instruction leads to growth.
Reflect: How do you respond to correction?
Pray: Lord, give me a teachable spirit.
Do: Receive one piece of feedback with thanks.
Module Quiz
- 1.
What pattern did Joseph show in every position?
- 2.
A teachable new employee says:
- 3.
Repeated comments about your body from a supervisor should be:
- 4.
Respecting authority means accepting harassment or unsafe conditions.
- 5.
Name two places to seek help if you experience workplace harassment.