Issue #160, July 22, 2015
Servant leadership is an inside job, but it will show on the outside in the way we do our work in the marketplace. Daniel already demonstrated his character and ability to wisely appeal to authority, but he also demonstrates compentence in his service to the king. When it was time for the final exam, the king found ‘none equal’ to Daniel and his three Hebrew friends. They were rated “ten times better” than their conterparts (Daniel 1:19-20). At other points in Daniel’s story it is equally clear that he did outstanding work. Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent (Daniel 6:3-4). Daniel was not a pastor or church leader; he was a government official and served in this ‘marketplace’ in a way that demonstrates how servant leaders influence in and through their vocations.
Servant leaders influence the marketplace with their comprehension.
Daniel and his friends stood out from the rest because they had “wisdom and understanding” that was “ten times better” than the rest (Daniel 1:20). This knowledge was a gift from God (see 1:7), but they had also studied hard in three years of training and were now able to influence the nation because of their exceptional understanding. They knew their job well! Servant leaders recognize “the earth is the LORD’s” (Psalms 24:1) and their vocation is simply a place where God has called them to influence others for His purposes. They make an effort to be knowledge leaders in their field, learning all they can in an effort to better reflect God’s presence.They ask God for greater knowledge in their area of influence; not to impress others or advance their own cause, but to honor God in what they do. Farmers learn all they can about agriculture; business leaders seek to better understand leadership and the area of service in which God has placed them. Teachers continualy seek more effective methods of learning. When servant leaders excel, others are impacted and God is exalted. How well does your vocational knowledge glorify God?
Servant leaders influence the marketplace with their character.
Even Daniel’s enemies could not identify a character flaw in his life. He was “trustworthy” and without “corruption.” This was all the more remarkable because he lived and served in Babylon, a city known for its corruption. The darker the place in which servant leaders work, the brighter their light of integrity shines. Daniel impacted his peers because of his character. How well does your character at work reflect God’s nature?
Servant leaders influence the marketplace with their care.
Daniel was not “negligent” in any aspect of his work. He was careful about his role and responsibilities. He paid attention to the details, fulfilling his role with excellence. Servant leaders are not careless; they focus on doing their very best to reflect God’s nature. How well does your attention to excellence in the marketplace influence others?
Lead like Daniel today in the place you are called to serve, your marketplace!
For further reflection and discussion:
Reflect on the three questions from the issue above. For each question, rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 and then indicate what steps you could take to increase your influence in that area.
- How well does your vocational knowledge glorify God?
- How well does your character at work reflect God’s nature?
- How well does your attention to excellence in the marketplace influence others?
- What Christian leader do you admire in your vocation and why? Take a minute to write a note or email of thanks to that person for their impact in your life.