God miraculously delivered Daniel from the lions’ den, but why did they throw him in with the lions? True, Daniel continued to pray to God after the king’s decree forbidding everyone from praying to any god or human except the king for thirty days. The real reason, however, goes back further to what led to the king’s decree — to what was taking place in Daniel’s “workplace” with his co-workers.
How Daniel’s Co-Workers Viewed Him
Excelling in his job, Daniel received recognition, which made his co-workers jealous. To sabotage his success they wanted to bring an accusation against him “but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him” (Dan. 6:1-4).
Notice that they found “NO” negligence or corruption in him. That undoubtedly meant he didn’t justify even little breaks in integrity saying,
“It doesn’t hurt anything.”
“Nobody will notice.”
“Everybody’s doing it.”
Daniel’s co-workers concluded, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God” (Dan. 6:5). Since his character flowed from Daniel’s walk with God, his co-workers would have to manipulate the king into making a decree they knew Daniel wouldn’t keep because of his unwavering devotion to his God.
What Kind of Testimony Do You Have in the Workplace?
Think about how your co-workers view you. Would they characterize you similar to Daniel (Dan. 6:4)?
Faithful?
Can people depend on you do do your job and do it well? Do the words trustworthy, consistent, and dependable describe you in the workplace?
No Negligence?
Do you avoid making mistakes due to carelessness? Are you careful not to cut corners or gloss over errors but rather aim for excellence? Do the words conscientious, attentive, and careful describe you in the workplace?
No Corruption?
Do you maintain moral integrity, not even getting caught up in little white lies? Do the words honest and good describe you in the workplace?
Result of Such a Testimony
We probably won’t get thrown into a lions’ den because of jealous co-workers. We might, however, get ridiculed, even fired if we fail to comply with an immoral demand. Are you willing to suffer for righteousness’ sake? God may not “shut the mouths of the lions” (Dan. 6:22) as He did with Daniel. Sometimes He allows suffering to bring about a greater purpose, though we may not see it at the time
The approval of God way supersedes the approval of other people, so “even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed” (1 Pet. 3:14). Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matt. 5:10-12)