Daniel was a young Jewish man who lived about 600 year before Jesus Christ was born. He served Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, as a captive. He was very successful in his career and accomplished great things even in the face of incredible adversity. His story is told in the book of Daniel in the Old Testament of the Bible. I believe we can apply lessons from the career of Daniel to our work life as well and gain perspective on many of the fears and questions that might hold us back. For instance…
How can I succeed if my boss is evil?
Daniel and his friends (Hanniah, Mishael and Azariah) were taken from their family and forced to serve a foreign king. Their names were even changed to Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Despite the fact that they were in a hostile work environment they were found in verse 1:20 to be..“ In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.”
What can I do if I am disadvantaged by ethnic background, sex, or socioeconomic status?
Daniel and his friends were foreigners. The food they were asked to eat was not honoring God. (Daniel 1:8). They were expected to succeed in learning foreign literature. While they did receive training for three years (Daniel 1:5), they would be measured against their peers (magicians and enchanters Daniel 1:20) many of whom were insiders in the land of Babylon.
How should I approach problems that appear to be unsolvable?
In Daniel Chapter 2 King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and went to his wise men to ask them to interpret the dream. The king's wise men said it is “too difficult” and “no one can reveal it to the king except the gods” (v11). This made the king so angry that he ordered the execution of all wise men in Babylon. Talk about being up against a wall because of an unreasonable and evil boss!
Daniel’s response was to humbly ask if he could help. He explained what needed to be done and asks his three friends to join him to “plead for mercy from the God of heaven” (v 2:18)
How should I react when I achieve success?
God revealed the meaning of the dream to Daniel by a vision in the night. His first reaction was to praise God. He acknowledged that God has wisdom and power, he raises up kings, he gives knowledge and wisdom, and that God gave Daniel wisdom and power (Daniel 2:21:23)
Daniel was quick to give God the credit when he had an audience in front of the king. In fact he said, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. (Daniel 2:27-28)
How can we apply these lessons to our career?
I pray that the example of Daniel will give you faith to work with “all of your heart as for the Lord” as stated in Colossians 3:23-24. Do not let yourself become discouraged in the face of adversity. God will give you wisdom to do your job well, if you ask and obey him with all of your heart. Even if your employer does not reward you, have the promise of an inheritance from God (Colossians 3:24).