Daniel 6:1-4  
Darius the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province. The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king’s interests. Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire. 

Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.
(New Living Translation)

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Daniel was that rare leader who combined high-level skills, faithfulness, responsibility, and trustworthiness. Reading through the first six chapters of this book, we see him promoted again and again. There’s an obvious lesson here. Well-honed skills, integrity, and a dependable work ethic separate top performers from their peers. 

There’s another dependable reality we see in Daniel’s life. The more integrity, skill, and wisdom you have, the more someone wants to knock you off your perch. And so, once again, Daniel’s adversaries looked for a way to take him out. Since he was too good to be true, they had to play to the king’s vanity to find a way to take down Daniel. It almost worked.

Long story short—the trap caught the ones who hoped to catch Daniel. An angel shut the mouths of the lions the night Daniel spent in their company. They went to bed hungry. Daniel was rescued, and dinner was served to the now ravenous lions. The people who plotted to get Daniel gobbled up got gobbled up themselves. 

Once again, Daniel prospered in his role. (See verse 28.)

Reading these six chapters always makes me want to live in an ever-closer walk with God. They make me want to sharpen my skills and broaden my expertise. They inspire me to live a life that honors God and serves others for their good and His glory. 

What would be different if we all lived like Daniel? 

How will you combine impeccable character and superior skills in your work?

How will you honor God and serve others?

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I will live with integrity and character, and serve with increasing excellence in how I work.

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Our Father, thank you for Daniel and his example. Make us leaders of integrity and character like him. Make us wise and knowledgeable like him. Empower us to do work that honors you and serves others. May we represent you well in every area of our lives. Amen.