Day 329

Daniel 1:1-2:23; 1 Peter 3:8-4:6; Psalm 119:65-80; Proverbs 28:14

To Live Faith on Monday

I often wonder how well the Church equips Christian lay women and men to live faith and serve as Christians in their workplaces. It often feels as if we do not connect Sunday and Monday very well.

With that uneasiness in mind, Daniel offers some rich and practical guidance for lay men and women serving in what is oftentimes a “godless” or “worldly” (a system of values with no love or devotion to God) work environment. Daniel maintained his first love of the Lord and effectively negotiated and performed his role in a royal court full of groveling advisors and egocentric kings.

How did Daniel accomplish this? First, he learned “the literature and language of the Chaldeans” (Daniel 1:4). Daniel learned and knew the language, culture, and history of the society where he served. Whether serving in a local business or a Fortune 500 multinational corporation, Christian lay women and men need to engage the corporate culture and understand what makes the business or organization tick.

Second, Daniel was reasonable in his protest of practices contrary to his faith. It seems as if “the king’s food” (1:8, 13, 16) was a pork-centric diet, and Daniel sought an “exception to policy” for himself and his Jewish colleagues. He simply asked for the opportunity to demonstrate that his vegan diet would not interfere with his work. And Daniel’s exception to policy soon became the bill of fare for all because it produced a better workplace.

Third, Daniel kept faith with his colleagues (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) during challenging times. When confronted with a difficult project, a crazy boss, and a pressing deadline, Daniel and his companions sought “mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery” (Daniel 2:18) of the king’s dreams. Gathering at lunch time or after work with other Christian lay men and women in your office or industry can provide encouragement and support for serving in a worldly business.

Many Christian traditions conclude Sunday worship with a dismissal or charge to “go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” For the super majority of people at Sunday worship, the place where they will love and serve the Lord during that upcoming week will be at work. Although an ancient personality, Daniel offers modern guidance for Christian lay women and men in the workplace.

The Rev. Anthony P. Clark
Cathedral Church of St. Luke
Orlando, FL