This article is part 2 of a two-part series on insights from Daniel’s career and life. It is recommended that you read part 1 for the additional points previously discussed. You can read Part 1 here.
Introduction and Context
Daniel’s rise to positions of prominence, as outlined in the book of Daniel, is fascinating. On examination of his career, attributes and actions we can gain wisdom to guide us as we consider our aspirations for our careers and businesses. In part 1 of this series, I mentioned that I discovered that Daniel and I shared some things in common including being an immigrant and a trusted advisor to senior leaders.
We also looked at two key principles relating to identifying our strengths and demonstrating consistent excellence. Then, we concluded with some key questions about problems we solve, the way our brand shows up authentically and making a difference for the people we serve. In this article, we continue to explore more principles and practices for achieving career advancement or business growth without compromising our faith and values while also operating in professional excellence.
Description: Collage of careers
Lessons from Daniel
Daniel is a role model for us in contemporary society. We can learn some important lessons to distinguish ourselves, become key influencers of change and make a lasting impact. Let's now explore more career and business strategies from Daniel's life and career.
Maintain integrity
Daniel’s integrity was evident throughout the book of Daniel. He developed a strong personal brand because of this integrity. He remained truthful and consistent, refusing to compromise his values even under pressure, which earned him respect and trust from the kings he served (Daniel 6:4-5, AMP).
Conversely, he would have likely lost his credibility had he given in to the pressure, for example to worship an idol. What’s your brand? What do you want to be known for? Is integrity something you are known for? Would you compromise to save your life and/or your career? I invite you to consider that a lack of integrity will cause more harm than you think. In some cases, it may cause irreparable damage. Neither companies nor clients want to trust someone whose integrity is questionable.
Integrity means choosing honesty instead of popularity. When confronted with interpreting the writing on the wall for King Belshazzar, Daniel boldly spoke the truth about the king’s imminent downfall, despite the potential personal risk involved (Daniel 5:17-28, AMP).
Would you have told the King the truth or what he wanted to hear? Would you compromise to save your life and/or your career? Would you take the risk? We must understand that integrity is based on God’s standards and expectations, not man’s. For example, if your manager wanted you to do something unethical or break the code of conduct, what would you do? If ever there’s a discrepancy between God’s requirements and man’s, choose God’s expectations. It supersedes everything else so prioritize pleasing God over pleasing people.
In addition, God honours integrity. Daniel showed integrity, as seen when he refused to defile himself with the royal food and wine, choosing instead to adhere to his beliefs (Daniel 1:8, AMP). He and his 3 friends were healthier than the others. His decision was blessed by God, resulting in Daniel and his friends appearing healthier and better nourished than those who ate the royal food (Daniel 1:15, AMP). Also, he was unharmed when thrown into the Lion’s den for refusing to participate in idolatry. God sent an angel to ensure his safety by closing the lions’ mouths. Your character matters. Character counts. Integrity is godly. You will walk in God's favour through godliness. Like Daniel, your integrity will increase your influence.
Description: People making an agreement
Take Prayerful Spirit-Led Action
God is our chief advisor. We must maintain constant communication with Him to succeed.
The Book of Daniel is full of examples of Daniel’s strong prayer life including fasting. There are several instances that highlight Daniel's consistent reliance on prayer for wisdom, protection, and guidance, proving his deep faith and trust in God throughout his career in Babylon. Likewise, we must turn to Him for wisdom and revelation, especially when facing complex challenges. That was Daniel's approach in Daniel 2:17-19. As a result, the outcome was a resounding success.
Daniel’s commitment to prayer and reliance on God for guidance allowed him to interpret dreams and visions accurately, especially the King’s dream. During my career in the corporate world, I too faced difficult and complex situations that I couldn't solve without going to God in prayer. God revealed to me the answers which left senior leadership and colleagues amazed. God can bring breakthroughs in the face of the seemingly impossible. Are you facing seemingly impossible and daunting situations at work? Are you facing interpersonal problems at work? Have you committed to pray about it?
Action is necessary to achieve career advancement and business growth. Our faith must be accompanied by action. When God shows us how to solve problems with our talents and achieve results, we must act. God gives us gifts to solve problems in the marketplace. The more problems we solve, the more opportunities present themselves.
Daniel was solving problems in the Kingdom and his effectiveness was well-known. Daniel 5:12 (NLT) explains how Daniel was described to someone who needed a problem-solver, “This man Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, has exceptional ability and is filled with divine knowledge and understanding. He can interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means”. I am aware that my gifts of teaching and encouragement are operating when I work in various roles to solve problems in the marketplace, whether I am leading a team, advising leaders, mentoring professionals, coaching business managers, delivering training or speaking with customers on the phone. In the modern world, we can take Spirit-led action and God’s favour will be evident in open doors, promotions and thriving business.
Description: Prayerful posture at workstation
Give God the Credit
Daniel gave God the honour and the credit when he prayed and there was a positive outcome. Daniel 2:27-28 describes the circumstances surrounding the interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream. When King Nebuchadnezzar asked Daniel to interpret his dream, Daniel replied, "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 explicitly credited God for the ability to reveal and interpret the dream. Another example is Daniel 6:22-23, which describes his deliverance from the Lions' den. After being thrown into the lions' den for praying to God, Daniel was found unharmed the next morning. When King Darius asked if God had been able to save him, Daniel answered, "My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight." Daniel acknowledged God's intervention as the reason for his survival. What about you? Are you giving credit where credit is due?
I remember two instances when I prayed about big challenges on the way home from work. In both cases, by the next day the problems were solved. When asked about how miraculously the issues were resolved, I told my colleague that I prayed about it when I left the office. On the third occasion when I faced a big obstacle in that same organization, my colleague said to me “I infer that you are going to pray about this”. "It seems things change when you pray". Your testimony will bless persons in your spheres of influence and point them to God.
Conclusion
Whether you are a professional, an entrepreneur or both, you can learn some career strategies and business principles, based on Daniel’s career trajectory. Daniel was promoted to a greater leadership role. His integrity, excellence and spirit-led actions resulted in his continued rise in power and influence. Ultimately, God promoted Daniel to a position that not only gave him greater prominence but more importantly greater influence and impact for generations after his lifetime. When God places us into positions of power, it is for a deeper purpose and a special spiritual assignment whereby you can be a positive influencer and agent of change.
Based on part 1 and 2, what are your takeaways from this series about Daniel? What points resonated with you? What points challenged you the most? Please share your perspectives in the comments.
About the author
Michelle Gibson-Morgan is an award-winning Jamaican-Canadian leader, certified coach, global speaker, bestselling author and consultant who specializes in career development, change management and leadership. Being a Christian for over two decades, she often provides insights from the intersection of faith and career/business.
This piece was written and contributed by our PAJE Writer! Remember to show your support by liking, sharing and commenting!
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Thank you for writing this article. It reminded me that God rewards faithfulness and integrity. So, even if people don't see or acknowledge our good work, God sees.
"Your testimony will bless persons in your spheres of influence and point them to God." This is one of the best motivators to represent God in the workplace.
This is an excellent illustration of journey with Christ in my life moment by moment on the job!