Daniel 4:8 Correcting the boss, or not.  Faithfulness in the workplace.

Daniel was called Belshazzar by Nebuchadnezzar.  He knew that his given name was Daniel, yet, he did not disrespect the king's title for him.  The king called him by the name of his god, and his title was, "Chief of the magicians,” In today's world we would take exception to that.  We would have corrected the king as to our correct name, and, we would have corrected him to let him know that we weren't magicians.  In fact we want our precise name and title to be given, we want to be honored for who we are, and yet Daniel was promoted by God because of his humility and his respect for the king’s authority.  Daniel may not have liked living where he was, being titled as he was, and being re-named as he was, but, he honored God by living in exactly those surroundings he was uncomfortable in, respecting the king, and doing the best he could at his job.  This is a huge step of faith.  To know God so well that it doesn't matter what we are called, what we are titled, and who has authority over us lets those around us know our God and His great love for us.    

It was because of Daniels faithfulness to both God and then the king that he flourished.  He didn't alert God as to how God was wrong in placing a devout Jew in a secular environment.  He didn't spend his days trying to escape his bonds and work.  He honored the king with his faithfulness and in so doing, honored God.  I want to model this life ethic.  In so doing, it would flow down to the rest of my life at home, in society, everywhere.  I wouldn't have to give my increase or promotion a second thought.  Because I was honoring God, I know He would take care of that.