Daniel 1: Eating from the King's Table
For those who know me, you're well aware of my passion for talking about Jesus Christ. If you've ever had the privilege (or perhaps misfortune!) of being cornered by me, you've undoubtedly heard my testimony. Today, I hope to share something that's been weighing on my heart, and perhaps in doing so, shed light on how we can be better in our professional roles by reflecting on the story of Daniel. I am planning on doing a series of articles from Daniel starting with chapter 1.
Daniel's Unique Challenge
A quick recap of Daniel 1 for those unfamiliar: Daniel was taken captive and trained to serve the king of Babylon. He was provided with luxurious foods and wines directly from the king's table. However, rather than indulging, Daniel requested healthier alternatives, which we might interpret today as vegetables. After ten days of this diet, Daniel and his companions not only survived but thrived, proving healthier and fitter than those who indulged in the king's provisions.
1. Opting for the Healthy Choice
Relating Daniel's story to our modern working world, I can't help but think of the numerous times I've traveled for work. There are those tempting dinners at fancy restaurants, and often work graciously covers the bill. But what if, like Daniel, we choose the healthier route? Not because it's cheaper or more humble, but because we recognize the stakes? In those critical moments – whether it's presenting to a client or leading a team – our best selves are demanded. And part of bringing that best self forward is ensuring we're physically equipped to do so. Eating healthily on these trips isn't just about keeping fit; it's about optimizing our performance.
2. Not Overindulging at the King's Table
On the topic of indulgence, it's easy to overspend, especially when we're not footing the bill. Yet Daniel's story reminds us of the merit of restraint. Just because we can doesn’t always mean we should. Being judicious with our work expenses isn't just about saving company dollars; it's a testament to our character, our respect for the resources we've been entrusted with, and our commitment to serving our "king" – or in our case, our employer, clients, or stakeholders. For Christian's we always serve our king Jesus Christ by our character.
Setting the Standard
This isn't a call for asceticism. Social hours, dinners, team outings – they all have their place. But perhaps, like Daniel, we can lead by example in the choices we make. Opting for health, showing restraint, and exercising prudent judgment not only benefits us but serves as a positive influence for our colleagues.
Thank you for lending me your time and attention on this first article. My plan next is to look at chapter 2 in a similar way.
My hope is that this reflection serves as a source of inspiration and encouragement in both your professional and personal journeys. And if you haven't, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into Daniel 1 – there's much wisdom to be gleaned from its pages.