Daniel’s story is filled with dreams beginning with his training in the king’s service to excel in the interpretation of dreams. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds (Daniel 1:17). As his life story develops, Daniel interprets two dreams for Nebuchadnezzar and the hand writing on the wall for King Belshazzar. Then, in the final chapters of the book, Daniel himself receives four additional dreams from God. These are explained in great detail and have been the object of much study and interpretation. I will not attempt to explain the meanings of these dreams, but will reflect instead on what Daniel’s experience can teach us as servant leaders about being stewards of God’s dreams. A steward is one entrusted by another to care for his property or affairs. God gives servant leaders dreams and Daniel shows us what to do with them.

Servant leaders receive God’s dreams as stewards.

In Daniel’s story the dreams revealed what God was going to do in the future; they were a glimpse of what was ahead for the nation or the world. In the final chapters Daniel’s visions concerned the end of time. All of these dreams were given to Daniel by God and were received by Daniel as a steward. What helped Daniel to receive these dreams? Receiving God’s dream requires attentiveness. Daniel listened. He fasted and prayed before receiving some of the visions God entrusted to him. Receiving God’s dream also requires trustworthiness. In Daniel 10:11 the angel says that Daniel is “highly esteemed.” His life and character as we have already seen was blameless and God could trust Daniel with His dreams!

While we may not see pictures in our sleep, all leaders dream! They envision a future in a way that energizes them to move forward. Many leaders talk about their vision for the future, but it is usually a dream that comes from their own mind and will primarily benefit themselves. Servant leaders intentionally seek to find God’s dream for their lives and leadership. They seek to know what God has specifically called them to do and the direction God has for the group they lead. When they see this dream, they act not as owners of the dream but as stewards who are accountable to God for the dream. What are the dreams God has for your life? For the group you lead? Have you taken time to receive God’s dream? Can He trust you as a faithful steward of His vision for the future?

Servant leaders respond to God’s dreams as stewards.

Daniel not only received God’s dreams, he responded obediently to them. Sometimes this meant that he shared the interpretation with the King. At other times, he called for action. Therefore, O king, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed (Daniel 4:27). In one instance, Daniel recognized the dream God had for his nation and based on this knowledge, Daniel turned to God with fasting and prayer that the vision would be accomplished (See Daniel 9:1-3). Daniel didn’t stop with a dream; he woke up and worked with God to bring the dream to pass. What is God’s dream for the future? We could look at many, but Daniel’s glimpse into the future should stir us to action. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever (Daniel 12:3). God’s dream for our future is that in whatever role we serve as leaders, we will “lead many to righteousness.” Who are those God is calling you to lead in this way? Will you receive the dream and respond in obedience? Servant leaders seek God’s direction for the role He wants them to play to accomplish the dream. Then they act as stewards to fulfill God’s dreams.

For further reflection and discussion:

• Reflect on your own dreams for the future. To what extent are these dreams from God and not simply to benefit yourself? What difference does this make in how you share the vision with others?
• How attentive are you to hear God’s dream for your arena of influence? What could you do to be more attentive?
• Does your life and leadership exhibit a trustworthy character which encourages God to reveal more of His dreams to you? What steps can you take to increase your trustworthiness?
• What specific dreams has God given to you for the group you lead? Have these dreams stirred you to action? What steps is God inviting you to take in sharing this dream with others and leading them to accomplish the dream?
• Reflect on Daniel 12:3: Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. In what way is your leadership leading “many to righteousness”?

Daniel’s enemies could find no fault with his excellent job performance or integrity, but they saw his regular prayer as a potential weakness. They appealed to the king’s pride and persuaded him to outlaw Daniel’s prayer. Now he would either die or compromise. Either way, his enemies concluded, they would win. Daniel was again in a crisis. His faith in God and his role with the king seemed to be in direct opposition. With his life on the line, what would he do? Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help (Daniel 6:10-11). In this time of crisis, Daniel chose to lead from his knees and encourages all servant leaders to pray as he did.

He prayed frequently.

Three times a day, Daniel stopped and prayed. Prayer was the central part of Daniel’s day and the source of his strength as a leader. While Daniel’s pattern is not a prescription for all leaders, every leader would do well to begin and end the day with prayer and to pause in the midst of the day for a time to center their life again on the one who calls them to lead. Prayer was the anchor of Daniel’s day. Servant leaders pause frequently to seek God’s direction for their life and leadership.

He prayed consistently.

Daniel prayed “Just as he had done before.” Daniel could easily have rationalized that if he stopped praying for thirty days, God would surely understand! But for Daniel, prayer was not something that he did when it was convenient or when there was a special need; it was his regular habit. His prayer was not only for crisis management; it was an integral part of his life and leadership. Some leaders pray only when there is a crisis; Daniel continued to pray in his crisis. It was his prayer before the crisis that helped him make it through the crisis. It’s not uncommon for leaders to cry out to God when there’s trouble, but servant leaders pray consistently. They allow the regular discipline of prayer to build and strengthen their heart.

He prayed publically.

Daniels prayer life was a private part of his life, but it was also on display for all to see. His prayer was intensely private but evident to all. He was not making a public display to be seen, but he was certainly not ashamed of his life of prayer. Daniel could easily have justified closing the windows to the eyes of those intending to do harm to him, but he boldly continued praying openly. His enemies had no problem finding evidence that he was continuing to pray despite the King’s command. Servant leaders are not ashamed to acknowledge their need for prayer and their practice of prayer. They continue to pray when others are watching; in restaurants, on planes, at home, and in the board room.

He prayed thankfully.

“Giving thanks to God, just as he had done before.” Daniel was certainly “asking God for help,” but he first gave thanks. This was his habit and even when his life was at risk, he paused to thank God. It’s not easy to be continually thankful, especially when others are after our lives! But Daniel found strength in reflecting on God’s goodness to him. Perhaps he thanked God for the opportunity he had enjoyed to serve in the king’s employ for the days he had. Servant leaders give thanks as they pray.

Servant leaders learn from Daniel to kneel before they stand. The source of their leadership strength is a bended knee. They bow to God before expecting others to bow to them or follow their leadership. When they rise from prayer, they have joined their hearts with the one who called them to lead and the one who gives the wisdom and courage they so desperately need.

For further reflection and discussion:

If you don’t know what happened after Daniels prayer, read the rest of the story in Daniel 6!

The passage we examined provides only a brief glimpse into Daniel’s life of prayer. Read and reflect on Daniels prayer in Daniel 9. What do you learn from his prayer that can help you as a leader?

Evaluate your own prayer life in light of the ways that Daniel prayed:

• Frequently. How often do you pray? Does prayer provide the anchor for your day? How often do you begin your day with prayer? End the day with prayer? Pray in the middle of the day?
• Consistently. Is your prayer consistent or only active in times of crisis? What is the result?
• Publically. Is your prayer life open enough that others can see it? Are there situations in which you are afraid to pray openly? What in your heart needs to change?
• Thankfully. Are your prayers heavily flavored with thanksgiving? How much of your prayers are thanksgivings and how much are requests?

What is God inviting you to do this week in response to Daniel’s example of leading on his knees?

Daniel correctly interpreted the handwriting on the wall only hours before a new ruler, Darius, overthrew the kingdom. Daniel was one of three highest leaders in the new government and lead with such excellence that the king was ready to promote him. This provoked jealousy among his colleagues and they tried in every way to find fault with Daniel. 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. Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God” (Daniel 6:3-5). Daniel led with such “exceptional qualities” that although they looked hard they couldn’t find anything wrong! Daniel’s faith was clearly evident in his work. Servant leaders can learn to lead with excellence in their vocation as Daniel did.

Daniel led with excellence by being trustworthy.

Daniel was worthy of the trust placed in him as a key leader of the nation. Kings trust very few people but Daniel earned his confidence by the life that he lived. Trust is earned by consistently displaying solid character for a long time. Without it, a leader cannot lead. Servant leaders earn the trust of those around them. Even Daniel’s enemies admitted that he was trustworthy.

Daniel led with excellence by resisting corruption.

Daniel lived and served in an empire known for corruption but his colleagues could not find any evidence of corruption in his leadership. Daniel certainly faced many opportunities to use his office for personal gain and many people were willing to pay for favors. But Daniel could not be bought or bribed. His expense accounts were accurate, his financial reports were clean. His decisions were not biased by finances. Servant leaders do not reflect their environment; they shape it as they resist corruption like Daniel.

Daniel led with excellence by not being negligent.

It would be very easy for Daniel to begin to enjoy the privileges of high office and spend his time eating and drinking at the expense of his duties. He had subordinates who could do the work while he relaxed. But Daniel did his job with excellence and didn’t neglect any aspect of his responsibilities. Servant leaders, whether in a high or low position, are willing to work hard and complete all aspects of their role with excellence.

Daniel led with excellence by revealing his faith.

Daniels’ enemies finally concluded that that the only way to bring him down was to make his faith illegal! They proceeded to change the law and the result was Daniel in the lion’s den. We often focus more on the story of the lions than the reasons he faced them. Daniel was thrown to the lions because the excellence of his work revealed his faith. Daniel was not preaching his faith in church; his life of faith was very evident in his workplace. Servant leaders express their faith in what they do every day; they put their faith to work!

We desperately need leaders like Daniel in every vocation and at every level of society, men and women who lead with excellence at what they do and whose only ‘fault’ is their faith in God. Let’s each renew our commitment to serve with excellence as we show our faith in how we work.

For further reflection and discussion:

• If my colleagues set out to try to find fault in my work, how long would it take them to find something wrong? What would they discover when they looked closely at how I spend my time, handle money, speak to others, represent my organization to others, treat junior staff, or talk about those in authority?
• In my vocation, how is corruption expressed? (Think of how people use position and power to influence wrongly. This may not always be with money.) In what ways am I personally most tempted to compromise my integrity?
• Is there any part of my role as a leader that is currently being neglected? Are there other things on which I am spending more time than I should which cause this task to be neglected? If so, what is God inviting me to do to complete this task?
• Is my commitment to Christ the only fault others can find with my life? If they went through all my possessions, checked my email accounts and computer history, dug through my financial records, checked my tax returns and talked to my neighbors, would they find anything for which I am to blame?

Some years after Daniel’s first interpretation of a dream for Nebuchadnezzar, the king’s son, Belshazzar, also needed a wise man to tell him the meaning of a hand which had appeared on his wall and written a message.The king calls Daniel to interpret the message. “Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.” Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means” (Daniel 5:1-17). Daniel’s answer reveals a lot about his heart and motives. The king offered Daniel rewards that would powerfully motivate most leaders. But Daniel, as a servant leader, had different motives and told the king to keep his gifts. The gifts he refused showed three areas that did not motive him to lead.

Daniel was not motivated by power.

The king offered to cloth Daniel in purple, the color of royalty, a symbol of the power wielded by the king. The offer of power and authority motivates many leaders and stirs in all of us a universal urge to be in control.

Servant leaders accept power for the purpose of accomplishing what God has called them to do, but they do not seek it. Servant leaders instead are motivated by love for those they serve and use power to bless those under their leadership. Many leaders use power for their own benefit; servant leaders use power to bless others.

Daniel was not motivated by prestige.

The king promised a gold chain around Daniel’s neck. Gold chains serve only to impress others with the importance of the one who wears them. The prestige of leadership motivates many leaders who are eager to impress others with what they wear, the value of their vehicle, or their title and rank. They enjoy the perks of leadership including special food, privileges, and the admiration of followers. Many leaders are motivated by what others think; servant leaders seek only to please the one who called them to be leaders.

Daniel was not motivated by position.

The king offered Daniel a high position, third highest in the land. Many leaders spend their lives trying to climb to higher positions and want to get as close to the top as possible. But Daniel didn’t find the offer particularly appealing. He recognized that God elevates people to positions and that positions can be lost as quickly as they are gained. Servant leaders don’t seek positions; rather they focus on how to influence as much and as many as possible for God’s purposes. They hold positions lightly and do their part with or without a position. Many leaders have their eye on the position; servant leaders have their eye on the people.

Daniel was not motived by these common incentives. His eyes were focused on other things. But he still did what he was requested to do and interpreted the dream. Ironically, he still received all three gifts promised by the king (see Daniel 5:29). But, they lasted less than 24 hours when a new king took the throne. Daniel recognized the temporary nature of these motivations and shows all servant leaders how to check our hearts for the ‘why’ of what we are doing. Most leaders focus on the action; Daniel reminds us to check our motives. For servant leaders the motive is as important as the action.

For further reflection and discussion:

Take a moment to think of your current position of leadership. Focus on why you do what you do as you reflect on the following questions:

• What power do I hold in my leadership? How does this power impact my heart? Are there any ways that I am tempted to use my power for my own advantage instead to build others?
• What prestige do I receive because of my leadership? (Think of special privileges, benefits, titles, and deference given by others.) In what ways do I see these as my rights rather than privileges? Do I allow these things to cause me to look down on those ‘under’ my leadership?
• Of what importance to me is my position? If I lost my position today, would I continue doing as much as possible to continue influencing others for God’s kingdom?

It was time for a promotion! The king was so impressed by Daniel’s ability to interpret his dream that he placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men (Daniel 2:48). What a great reward! For many leaders, the story would end with this as they enjoy the fruit of their leadership. But Daniel was not an ordinary leader, and the story continues: Moreover, at Daniel's request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained at the royal court (Daniel 2:49). Daniel’s action reveals that servant leaders don’t just take a journey; they bring others with them on the journey! He was not satisfied to travel alone or to take all the credit for what God had done. So, at Daniel’s request the king appointed his three friends to administrative positions. Daniel brought his friends along on the journey because he saw four things.

Daniel saw position as opportunity to influence.

Daniel didn’t take a lot of time enjoying the gifts of the king. Rather, he recognized that his promotion was simply another opportunity to be a blessing to more people, first to his teammates and then to the nation. His first request of the king was the promotion of his three friends. Servant leaders continually recognize that God places them in positions of influence to advance God’s purposes in the world. Whether the servant leader owns a business, serves as church leader, or leads a family, classroom or school, the leader sees the position as an opportunity for influence.

Daniel saw his victory as a team victory.

Daniel was clearly the leader but he was not alone. He had a team. His victory was a team victory. His name was on the book but Daniel was not alone. Before the dream was revealed, Daniel asked his three friends to join him in fervent prayer and God answered their prayers. Daniel alone went to interpret the dream, but he remembered that others also played a part in the success, and he would not leave the rest behind when he was promoted. Servant leaders freely acknowledge the role others play in their success and see every victory as a team victory.

Daniel saw the gifts of others.

Daniel was gifted and in many ways ahead of everyone else. He clearly had the gift of interpreting dreams. Still, he recognized that others also had gifts. He asked for an opportunity for his teammates to lead because he saw past his own gift to see theirs. They had also been trained in the same program as Daniel and were apparently gifted in administration. Many leaders focus on their own giftedness. It is obviously good to develop one’s own gifts, but the best leaders seek to recognize and affirm the gifts of others. Servant leaders focus on others, and Daniel challenges each of us to look around us and see the giftedness of those on our team.

Daniel saw that power was to be shared.

Some leaders grasp power for themselves and fight others to get as much power as they can. They see power as a limited resource and want to get as much as possible. Daniel, as a servant leader, saw power as something to be shared and knew that sharing power would not diminish his own worth. He would remain “at the royal court” as the second in command. Servant leaders lend a helping hand to developing leaders. They pull others higher by sharing power. In doing so, the servant leader does not reduce his influence; rather it increases. Servant leaders recognize that power shared is power multiplied.

Follow Daniel’s example and find others to bring with you on your journey!

For further reflection and discussion:

• Think about your current position. In what way has God provided opportunities for you to influence from this position?
• Who assisted you in reaching your current leadership role? Have you expressed your appreciation to them and acknowledged the role they played in your development?
• Reflect on a recent victory in your leadership journey. Who else played a role in your success? What have you done to acknowledge their contribution?
• Think about others on your team. What gifts does each one possess? In what ways have you encouraged the development of these gifts?
• In what practical ways can you share your power with others this week? What will happen in your leadership as you empower others?

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?

It was a matter of life and death. The executioners were searching for Daniel to kill him. The king earlier had a dream and ordered his astrologers to both tell him the dream and provide the interpretation. When they declared that the task was impossible, the king ordered all the wise men, including Daniel and his three friends, to be killed. How would you respond in a similar situation where your life was on the line? Many leaders would respond with anger and defensiveness or simply run in the other direction. But Daniel chooses another path. When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel (Daniel 2:14-15). Daniel responded “with wisdom and tact” and teaches servant leaders to do the same.

Daniel spoke with wisdom.

Wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgement, knowing what should be done in a situation. Daniel, in a wise manner, spoke when others were silent and knew what to speak. He wisely asked for more information from Ariel, the commander. Before making any statement, he asked, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Daniel was genuinely seeking to understand the situation more completely. Without understanding he could not know what action would be appropriate. After hearing the response from Arioch, Daniel took another step of going to the king to ask for time to interpret the dream. Then he called his friends for prayer. Daniel’s speech and actions reflect a calm, steady, and wise approach, even in this dangerous time. Servant leaders know what to speak; they speak with wisdom.

Daniel spoke with tact.

Tact is the ability to say something with appropriate sensitivity in a manner that avoids giving unnecessary offense. Daniel recognized that he needed to not only be wise but to speak with great care. Tensions were running high and people were going to die. A slip of the tongue at this point or a provocative word could have proven fatal. He did not attack the commander or accuse him of any wrong-doing but tactfully kept the door open for further dialogue. He went to the king and made a simple but clear request, and the king responded by giving him time. Daniel showed a clear sense of what was appropriate to say in this situation. Servant leaders know how to speak; they speak with tact.

Daniel spoke with wisdom and tact.

Daniel combined both wisdom and tact in his speech. He recognized that wisdom alone was not enough; he needed to speak in a manner that would diffuse the situation and allow a solution. Tact alone would also not have worked. He might have spoken tactfully but without knowing what needed to be done. Wisdom without tact would have caused the situation to get worse. Tact without wisdom would have avoided offense, but not moved the situation to a resolution. Wisdom and tact produced a solution. By speaking with wisdom and tact, Daniel not only saved his own life, but the lives of many others as well. Servant leaders know what to speak and the right way to speak it.

Lead today by speaking only with wisdom and tact!

For further reflection and discussion:

• Reflect on a time that your mouth got you into trouble. From Daniel’s example, what could you have done differently?
• Mathew 12:34 says, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” When your mouth gets you into trouble, what does it indicate about your heart?
• How often do you offer your opinion before asking questions? Ask a close friend to give you his/her answer to this question about you. What is God inviting you to do to change?
• Are you stronger in speaking with wisdom or tact? How can you move towards combining both?

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.

Our first lesson from Daniel’s life was his resolve not to be defiled; he lived with a moral compass that would not be moved. But his moral resolve quickly brings Daniel into conflict with the king’s plans and leads to his first leadership challenge. But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way (Daniel 1:8). This was not an easy situation for Daniel. Remember that he was a captive in a foreign land without power or titles. This was not a democracy; he served under a king whose law was absolute. Disobedience was punishable by death. He could not resign and look for another job! Yet his conscience would not allow him to obey the king’s command. He could have chosen to compromise his beliefs, try to run away from the situation, or simply refuse to obey. Daniel didn’t choose any of these options. Rather, he appealed to authority. His response teaches all servant leaders how to appropriately appeal to those in authority when faced with an issue of conscience. He did several things which gave his appeal the greatest possible chance to change the instruction of the king.

The appeal was made in the right spirit.

Daniel’s attitude is remarkable. He “asked” permission; he didn’t demand anything. He showed respect to the official and the king in all that he said and proposed. He recognized the authority of the official and submitted to the outcomes. Servant leaders who need to appeal check their hearts before opening their mouths. They approach their leader in the right spirit.

The appeal considered the authority’s needs.

Daniel’s appeal indicates that he was aware of and had seriously considered the King’s desire. The king wanted healthy officials. Daniel recognized this goal and offered an alternative solution which would meet the same goal while honoring his own principles. He proposes a 10 day test that will allow the goals of the king to be balanced with his own conscience. When leaders are faced with a difficult issue it is easy to think only about what they want as a leader and how to get it. But Daniel demonstrates that servant leaders genuinely care about the goals of the other and seeks a solution that will help both of them.

The appeal was left with the authority.

“Then….treat your servants in accordance with what you see” (Daniel 1:13). Daniel had already made his own decision about whether or not to eat the king’s food; he had “resolved not to defile himself.” But he recognized that what would happen to him was also in the hand of the king. He recognized the authority of the king to make a final decision about the matter. Servant leaders recognize that their appeal will not always be accepted. They recognize that the authority over them has the power to accept or reject the appeal and this helps the servant leader to appeal with the right spirit.

The appeal was based on God’s favor.

Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel (Daniel 1:9). Daniel had the right spirit and did all the right things in his appeal, but he clearly acknowledges that the outcome would be based on God’s favor. Servant leaders don’t depend on their own wisdom, but seek the favor of God.

Daniels’ appeal succeeded and everyone benefited as a result. Following his example provides servant leaders with the best possible chance of their appeal being considered.

For further reflection and discussion:

Reflect on a situation you have faced as a leader that involved an issue of conscience for you. Did you seek to appeal to the authority? If not, what guided your decision and what was the outcome? If you did appeal, reflect on each of the following questions:

• What was the attitude of your heart towards the person in authority?
• What was the goal of the person in authority and how well did your appeal consider that goal?
• How well did you leave the decision to the person in authority?
• In what ways did you experience God’s favor?
• In retrospect, what could you have done differently that might have brought better results?
• If Daniel would have simply refused, if he had just said, “No, I cannot eat the food,” what might have happened?
• If you are currently facing a situation in which you are being asked to compromise, reflect on each of the ways Daniel made his appeal. What would it mean for your situation if you took each step he did?

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.