Blueprint for a virtuous and successful career: Daniel and the Lion's den

For those of us who were raised as Christians, we've heard so many children's stories with Bible characters prevailing against seemingly insurmountable odds through faith. The theme's seem simple, and the stories and the people that lived them are perceived as just 'characters' or distant fictional figures that have nothing in common with our life today. This is often the negative critique for many who have only a superficial understanding of the Bible. They perceive the book as being too old to relate to our situations today. But the reality is that "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.10 Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new?" It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time." -Ecclesiastes 1:9-10.

The Bible teaches us that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" 2 Timothy 3:16-17. And those who have read and understood it know that it provides knowledge, wisdom and correction in every facet of life...from personal relationships and hardships to career advice and giving us purpose in life. Even if you're not a believer, the reality is that the Bible is one of the oldest collections of success stories, proverbs, parables and knowledge known to man. There is wisdom for all of us if only we seek to uncover what it has to teach us as opposed to letting others tell us what's in it. Daniel and the Lion's Den had a simple truth for me when I was a child: 'Have faith', now that I am older and see the world for what it is, it has taught me a very different lesson.

"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things." -1 Corinthians 13:11

Below are lessons I've learned from the book of Daniel that parallel my own experience in my career:

Daniel 1:1-6, Daniel was held captive (the way money holds us captive) and forced to work for the King.

Daniel 1:12-16, He thrives on leading a healthier lifestyle to out pace his peers.

Daniel 6:1-4, He was distinguished and impressive as a result of his faithfulness.

Daniel 6:5, he displayed a character that his opponents could not find fault in.

Daniel 5:18-20, Your arrogant superiors will be dealt with by God (but not at a time that will work for us)we have to know vengeance is his. 'Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord -Romans 12:19

Daniel 6:10, Daniel remained faithful knowing it would be his downfall, those who were against him outnumbered him and his faith didn’t make things better with all of his peers. But of course God delivered him (Daniel 6:22).

Daniel 6:25-28, Daniel 2:46-49, His faith made believers out of his superiors and he bounced back and prospered.

Daniel 2:37-43, As if that weren’t enough he perfectly described the future kingdoms and the current state of Europe.

Description of the image (Daniel 2:31-35), Head of gold, chest of silver, thighs of bronze, legs of iron, feet of iron and clay, image was broken into pieces.

Interpretation (Daniel 2:37-43)

37-38, Gold is Babylon, one of the greatest kingdoms in Earth's history

39, Silver is Medo Persia's reign, it was slightly inferior to Babylon's after they conquered Babylon. Taxes were paid in silver.

39 Bronze is Greece, they wore armor made out of Bronze and conquered the known world after Persia

40 Iron was Rome, it ruled the known world next after conquering Greece. the verse says 'Iron...shatters all things.' and the Roman weapons were mostly iron.

41 The feet of iron and clay was the Roman empire no longer being a world power due to attacks from other groups like the Barbarians..

43 The mixture of iron and clay in marriage was the combination of church and state with the Romans, but like in the prophecy the dominance of this mixture did not hold it's power over Europe.

44-45 The stone that destroys it all is Christs 2nd coming.