Issue #158, June 24, 2015
How is it possible to serve well as leaders for over 60 years? In this series we’ll take a look at the life of Daniel, a leader who served for a lifetime with excellence. He accomplished this as an Israelite captive in Babylon, a very challenging environment. He was away from home, serving with no choice and with little hope of freedom. Few leaders would choose a situation like this in which to serve. Yet Daniel is one of very few biblical characters without recorded flaws and servant leaders can learn much from his example.
The first glimpse of Daniel’s excellence comes quickly in his story with four simple words, “But Daniel resolved not…” (Daniel 1:8, NIV). He resolved not to eat the food and wine offered by the king of Babylon. His commitment may also be translated as “purposed in his heart.” Whatever the language, Daniel had a moral resolve that served as a compass for his life and leadership. Resolve is not word we use often perhaps because it is so strong. It means to make a firm decision, something which is not taken lightly. Daniel’s example helps servant leaders understand what it means to have moral resolve.
Moral resolve is not situational.
Daniel faced his first leadership challenge far away from his homeland. He was out of his familiar world facing an uncertain future. He had just been assigned a new name and was beginning a three year training program that would determine his future. The pressure to conform in this situation was enormous but Daniel had a moral compass that enabled him to say “No.” He recognized that a new location did not change right and wrong and that there is no such thing as ‘situational ethics.’ Servant leaders recognize that moral absolutes do not change with the situation.
Moral resolve is predetermined.
Daniel was able to stick to his principles because he had decided before the time of testing what he would and would not do. At some point in his leadership journey he had resolved what principles would guide his life. Too many leaders wait until they are in a moment of trial to decide what to do. At that point, it is very difficult to choose the right direction. Servant leaders determine their values before they are tested and resolve to uphold them.
Moral resolve establishes priorities.
Daniel’s resolve allowed him to set clear priorities. He knew the major issues for which he would not compromise. He did not object when he was given a new name and he did not protest when he was asked to study Babylonian history and language. But he drew a line on the issue of food which would have caused him to be ‘defiled.’ While we may not fully understand the principles involved in Daniel’s decision, all servant leaders think carefully about what values they will guard most carefully.
Moral resolve supersedes consequences.
Daniel was certainly aware that his decision would have consequences. As we will see in the next issue he sought the best possible outcomes, but his moral resolve was based solely on what he understood to be right and wrong. He refused to make his decision based on his chances of success. Servant leaders with moral resolve do what is right regardless of the cost.
Daniel began his leadership journey with a clear declaration of his moral resolve. Let’s follow his example and make our own resolutions!
For further reflection and discussion:
- Are there examples from your leadership of times when you showed, or failed to show, moral resolve? What was the result and what, if anything, would you do differently if you could repeat those choices?
- In what circumstances are you most tempted to compromise your principles? What can you learn from Daniel’s example that could help you to avoid compromise?
- Make a short list of your own leadership resolutions. Include several “I will not…” and several “I will always…” Take a week to reflect on your list and make any changes you feel are necessary. Then, share your resolutions with another leader.