Christians In The Workplace

CHRISTIANS IN THE WORKPLACE

Daniel 6:1-28

Let us read Daniel 6:1-28 to find out what is expected from God’s people in the workplace. Read the text.

EXPOSITION

God’s people should give their best in the workplace.

Working in a non-Christian environment is not an excuse to mediocrity. No matter what you do, you should distinguish yourself to be a prized employee.

Whether you a nurse, physical therapist, house keeper, kitchen crew, sales, businessman, programmer, manufacturing, government offices, and part timer, you should excel in your work. Excellence is always rewarded with better opportunity. How do God’s people give their best in the workplace?

A. Demonstrate exceptional worker’s qualities (6.1-4)

Daniel had been faithfully serving the Lord in pagan Babylon for nearly seventy years. He was now about eighty-five years old but continues to shine where God had placed him.

Because of his exceptional qualities, the king was considering of putting him in number two position in the kingdom. Out of 123 government officials, he was on the top. His “exceptional qualities,” refers literally to an “exceptional spirit was in him.”

This “exceptional spirit” may refer to his good attitude or abilities, but possibly the king recognized that Daniel was in touch with the gods and thus possessed great wisdom.

“Satrap” is a word that means “protector of the kingdom”; it refers to lower officials. Because of the Persian Empire’s vast size (the largest empire the world had known), it was divided into many smaller territories, ruled by the “satraps.”

The satraps gave an account of their activities to the three administrators in order to ensure that the Persian government “might not suffer loss.” Evidently this means that the administrators watched over the satraps so that all tax moneys were properly collected and so that none of these lesser officials could steal from the king.

Because the king planned to set Daniel over all the satraps and administrators, the jealousy and envy of some of the other officials was aroused. They began to examine Daniel’s government record in order to discover some flaws in his character and professional ability.

Instead of finding some, they discover the real Daniel.

1. Diligent – “no grounds for charges in his conduct of government affairs” (6.4a) He was consistent in his conduct of government affairs.

2. Trustworthy – “no corruption” (6.4b) No abuse of authority and even resources.

3. Responsible – “not negligent” (6.4c) When Daniel was given a job to do, the King knew it would be done thoroughly with excellence and nothing would be left undone.

What do people say about you on the job? By God’s grace let us handle our affairs faithfully.

EPHESIANS 6:5-8. 5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

When we work with the attitude that God is our real employer, we cannot help but be responsible and trustworthy.

B. Demonstrate exceptional spiritual qualities (6.5-13)

1. Consistent dedication to God. (6.10)

Apparently it was the practice of Daniel to pray to pray three times a day and worship God. The windows were opened toward Jerusalem because he probably prayed consistently for Jerusalem which at this time was being rebuilt by some who returns from the exile.

Think of the lame excuses that stop us from a faithful, consistent prayer life. We have to get our work done, we need more sleep, or we are too busy. “If you are too busy to pray, then you are too busy.” I think the greater the responsibility the more time must be spent with God who provides guidance and help.

2. Dependent on God for help. (6.11)

When Daniel was found by his accusers he was asking God for help. He knows that in times like God is always his best source of help. If this is true, how can we neglect the discipline of prayer? Note that Daniel’s religious convictions were not hidden.

God’s people are the best in the workplace when they are able to balance their commitment between his God and work consistently. No amount of success in the workplace can compensate for the neglect of time with our God. God’s direction would keep us from ignoring the priorities in life like family and good health.

God’s people should give their best in the workplace.

Why should God’s people give their best in the workplace?

A. Whether good or bad, you would be persecuted. Be persecuted for good reasons. (6.5-9)