What’s Your Gift?
“Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officials. Because of Daniel’s great ability the king made plans to place him over the entire empire.” Daniel 6:3
I recall another verse that basically says your gift will make a way for you. God gifted Joseph, as you likely remember, and thus he rose from prisoner to top leader. We now see Daniel doing the same thing. God gifted Daniel and Daniel used his God given gifts.
Both men mentioned above served those who saw their race as an issue. Joseph held the power given by the king, yet the Egyptians wouldn’t even eat with him. Daniel was about to become the leader in this empire, yet others would resent this Jew being in charge. While race appeared even then to be an issue one fact stands out. Both men were quite gifted. Their God given gifts brought them to the attention of some very important men. Their God given gifts made a way for them.
But let us consider for a moment how this historic event might have gone differently. What if Daniel had an attitude of, “I ain’t helping you. You forced me into service, but I am not going to help you solve your problems.” Before thinking nobody would be like that I challenge you to consider. Do you do your best with a boss you don’t like? Would you produce quality products in a forced labor situation? Would you give good advice to your enemy if asked?
I am a firm believer that God gifts each of us according to what he wants us to be and do. He gives you and me what we need to serve well. Sometimes serving well means serving when we don’t want to. Daniel appeared to have a gift for administration. He proved to be better at this than others and so the king chose him as the top manager. His gift made a way for him.
And since his gift made a way for him consider the benefits of this. Because of God’s gifting the Jews had a protector of sorts in the leadership, a man who could speak for them. That man would be heard because of his high position. I think about this when people say a Christian shouldn’t be in politics. After all if Christians avoid the responsibility of public service then why should we complain about corruption? The world believes in corrupt government. If believers stood up and accepted public office perhaps things could change. You wouldn’t expect a bunch of prisoners to be honest men, so why would you expect unbelievers to look out for others rather than themselves?
God gives gifts to each of us. What has God given you that you might use for the benefit of your community? Are you using your God given gifts?
These morning meditations written by Christian believer and author, Patricia Hawkins, who offers these meditations for your personal edification. You may contact Patricia at prayerpartnerpat@gmail.com.