Be Different
ICS Daily Devotions
Daniel 1:3-4 (NKJV) Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.
King Nebuchadnezzar conducted a countrywide search to select young people, probably still in their teens, from three categories: the king’s descendants, nobles, and the children of Israel. The best of them were chosen to be groomed as advisors in the palace.
Despite their privileged position, Daniel and his friends remained humble and worshipped God through their daily work. Similarly, let us remember that our work in the world is also an expression of our worship of God. God has entrusted us to be the salt and the light in the world, and our attitude towards work reflects that worship. Therefore, how we live will show people that we are different because of Christ in us.
James 4:6 (NKJV) But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
If we want God to infuse grace into our hearts, we need to be humble. Good academic results do not equate to good work. Without realising our shortcomings, we can become highly opinionated and critical of the work and the environment. Nobody can speak into the lives of those who are proud. Therefore, nobody can save them from trouble because they won’t listen to anyone, given their fixed mindset and resistance to change. They are not mouldable or open to being trained and improved. It is unbearable when the grace of God departs from us due to our pride, because we are not open to the moulding and pruning of God.
We need to remember that God allows trials in our lives so we can learn to be humble, obedient, and faithful. This enables our character to be moulded according to His will. These trials may include difficult bosses and heavy responsibilities. Some young people put their interests before what’s required in their job scope; they demand good treatment and yet contribute little to others, thus experiencing little growth.
In other cases, some commanding personalities are decisive, strategic, sharp-tongued, highly opinionated and rude, even towards their superiors. The superiors will watch and mark them even if they have contributed significantly to the department or company. While they are high achievers, they are poor at building people up and team collaboration and thus leave a trail of strained relationships with their teammates and subordinates. Their behaviour is no different from the worldly behaviour of self-serving people. Pride has caused many proud people’s downfalls.
As Jesus’ disciples, we should strive to be increasingly humble and gentle while growing in faith, life, and work skills. We should be different in serving others and our workplaces, acting as the salt and the light.
Sermon Series: Vessel for His Glory
