Issue #162, August 19, 2015
The king ordered his death, but after speaking to the king’s messenger with “wisdom and tact,” Daniel called his friends together and urged them to pray that God would reveal the king’s dream. With their lives still hanging in the balance God answered their prayers and revealed the dream to Daniel. He responded to this revelation with heartfelt worship and praise to God (see Daniel 2:19-23) and then went to the king. The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar), “Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?” 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” (Daniel 2:26-28a). With every success, leaders are tempted to take personal credit. But Daniel refused to take any credit for interpreting the king’s dream. His humble response instructs all servant leaders how to give credit where credit is due.
Servant leaders credit God for their gifts.
Daniel was a talented leader who was the best in his training program. From the beginning of his story everyone could see that he was gifted, especially in the area of interpreting dreams and visions (see Daniel 1:17). He could have easily taken credit for these gifts when he responded to the king. Instead he quickly acknowledged that his ability to interpret dreams was not his own. Servant leaders are grateful for the gifts God has given them. They use their education and life experience to become even more skilled at what they do. But when they succeed, like Daniel, they give God credit for their successes. When they look at how many followers they have, how much profit they have made, how many work for them, or other recognitions of accomplishments, they refuse to take the glory. Proud leaders say “Look at what I have done!” while servant leaders say “Look at what God has done.”
Servant leaders credit God for their position.
As a result of interpreting the dream, Daniel was elevated to an even higher position (Daniel 2:48). But Daniel realized clearly that positions are given by God who “sets up kings and deposes them” (Daniel 2:21). Daniel models the way for all servant leaders to recognize that whatever position they hold is a gift from God who can grant a position for a season or for a lifetime. Servant leaders acknowledge that God places them in positions, not their own abilities. Proud leaders say “Look where I have reached!” while servant leaders say, “Look where God has brought me.”
Servant leaders credit God for their influence.
Daniel recognized that God placed him in a position to influence one of the most powerful men on earth. Many leaders would be impressed with themselves and quickly let others know who they met for dinner! But Daniel told the king, “As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than other living men, but so that you, O king, may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind” (Daniel 2:30). He acknowledged that God wanted to influence the king through him, and he was grateful for the opportunity. Proud leaders say, “Look at who I influenced!” while servant leaders say “I’m grateful that God allowed me to influence.”
Successful leaders will be tempted to take credit for their achievements and to pass the blame to others when they fail. Daniel teaches us how to give credit where credit is due…and that is always to God!
For further reflection and discussion:
- Read Daniel’s response of praise to God in Daniel 2:19-23. What does his prayer teach you about giving credit to God?
- Reflect on the ways you have been successful as a leader? How are you tempted to take credit for these successes? After listing them, think more deeply about what you have done. Where did you get the strength, the ideas, the vision, the resources? Read 1 Corinthians 4:7. What does this verse teach you about your success or what you have?
- Write down the gifts, positions, and influence God has given to you. Do those around you see you giving God credit for these?