May 1, 2025
Have you ever been in a position where you had a job you knew you could do, and do well, but also knew you would have a hard time getting ahead if you refused to ‘play the game,’ to ‘go along and get along’? You knew you could excel and advance, but were you afraid you wouldn’t unless you took up office politics as a full-time sport, learned who to support and who to snub? Joined in the special ‘after hours’ activities? If this is your situation, or perhaps it someday might be, take some courage from what happened to Daniel.
In about 597 BC, and again 10 years later, the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem. They looted everything they could carry and force-marched most of the citizens to captivity in their capitol, Babylon (in modern Iraq). Daniel was one of those forcibly relocated.
Many of the people were no doubt coerced into harsh labor. But at least four of them, Daniel and his three friends, were chosen to enter the King’s service. To prepare for this important responsibility, they first had to master the Babylonian language and literature. They were also expected to eat the choice food and drink the wine reserved for them.
Daniel and his friends replied with a strong, “NO!” They felt that the special food would defile their bodies. Instead, they asked to receive only vegetables and water. After a little back-and-forth with their guard/mentor, they got their way. They lived on vegetables and water while all the other aspirants feasted on the special food the king had provided.
Of course, remaining untainted wasn’t enough. They still had to perform. They still had to learn the language and literature of their captors. Not taking part in office shenanigans doesn’t mean we can do shoddy or inferior work. But Daniel and his friends were conscientious. They put their noses to the grindstone and shoulders to the wheel. They mastered their subjects and when the time came to be tested by the King, they outshone all the competition.
What is the price of success, and is it worth it? Is getting ahead worth sacrificing our principles? Is it worth abandoning our morals? Is the brass ring worth grabbing it if it means we can no longer look ourselves in the face?
Daniel is an inspiring character and we’ll be following his story in our devotions this month. He matters not least because he reminds us when temptation comes with honeyed words and delicious morsels, it’s time to pray to God to help us find our inner Daniel.
May God’s peace and Daniel’s values be with us all,
Pastor Ken.