Daniel 1:3-4 (NKJV) Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.
King Nebuchadnezzar conducted a countrywide search to select young people, probably still in their teens, from three categories: the king’s descendants, nobles, and the children of Israel. The best of them were chosen to be groomed as advisors in the palace.
Despite their privileged position, Daniel and his friends remained humble and worshipped God through their daily work. Similarly, let us remember that our work in the world is also an expression of our worship of God. God has entrusted us to be the salt and the light in the world, and our attitude towards work reflects that worship. Therefore, how we live will show people that we are different because of Christ in us.
James 4:6 (NKJV) But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
If we want God to infuse grace into our hearts, we need to be humble. Good academic results do not equate to good work. Without realising our shortcomings, we can become highly opinionated and critical of the work and the environment. Nobody can speak into the lives of those who are proud. Therefore, nobody can save them from trouble because they won’t listen to anyone, given their fixed mindset and resistance to change. They are not mouldable or open to being trained and improved. It is unbearable when the grace of God departs from us due to our pride, because we are not open to the moulding and pruning of God.
We need to remember that God allows trials in our lives so we can learn to be humble, obedient, and faithful. This enables our character to be moulded according to His will. These trials may include difficult bosses and heavy responsibilities. Some young people put their interests before what’s required in their job scope; they demand good treatment and yet contribute little to others, thus experiencing little growth.
In other cases, some commanding personalities are decisive, strategic, sharp-tongued, highly opinionated and rude, even towards their superiors. The superiors will watch and mark them even if they have contributed significantly to the department or company. While they are high achievers, they are poor at building people up and team collaboration and thus leave a trail of strained relationships with their teammates and subordinates. Their behaviour is no different from the worldly behaviour of self-serving people. Pride has caused many proud people’s downfalls.
As Jesus’ disciples, we should strive to be increasingly humble and gentle while growing in faith, life, and work skills. We should be different in serving others and our workplaces, acting as the salt and the light.
Sermon Series: Vessel for His Glory
与众不同
但以理书 1:3-4 王又吩咐他手下的太监长亚施毗拿，将以色列中的一些少年、王的后裔、贵族中一些少年带来。这些少年没有残疾，相貌俊美，通达各样智慧，学识渊博，聪明伶俐，能在王宫服事，并可以教导他们迦勒底人的语言和文献。
尼布甲尼撒王在全国范围内挑选少年，可能当时他们还只是十几岁的年轻人，来自三个群体：王的后裔、贵族以及以色列的子民。王挑选出最优秀的青年，计划在宫中培养他们成为顾问。
尽管身处优越的地位，但但以理和他的朋友们仍然谦卑，并通过日常工作敬拜神。同样地，我们也当记得，在世上的工作，也是我们敬拜神的一种表现。神托付我们在世上成为盐和光，我们对待工作的态度，也反映了这种敬拜。因此，我们的生活将向人表明，我们因基督在我们里面而与众不同。
雅各书 4:6 但他赐更多的恩典，所以经上说；神阻挡骄傲的人，赐恩给谦卑的人。
若我们希望神将恩典充满我们的心，我们需要保持谦卑。优异的学业成绩，并不等同于良好的工作表现。如果不意识到自己的不足，我们可能变得自以为是，对工作和环境充满批评。骄傲的人无人能教导，因他们固定的心态与抗拒改变，使他们不听从任何人的意见，也无法从困境中得救。他们不易被塑造，也不愿意接受训练与成长。当神的恩典因骄傲而离开我们时，这是极为痛苦的，因为我们未曾向神敞开心接受祂的塑造和修剪。
我们要记得，神允许生命中的试炼，是为了让我们学习谦卑、顺服和忠心，使我们的品格能按照祂的旨意被塑造。这些试炼可能包括难缠的上司或繁重的责任。有些年轻人将个人利益置于工作要求之上，要求优厚待遇，却少为他人付出，因此成长有限。
另外，有些性格果断、具策略性、言辞尖锐、意见强烈甚至对上司无礼的人，即便他们对部门或公司贡献显著，上司仍会观察并记录他们的行为。虽然他们是高成就者，却不善于建立人际关系和团队合作，常留下紧张的人际关系。他们的行为与世俗的自我中心无异。骄傲已经导致许多自高自大之人的失败。
作为耶稣的门徒，我们应当努力在信仰、生活与工作技能上不断成长，变得愈加谦和温柔。在服事他人和职场中，我们要与众不同，成为盐和光。
讲章系列：成为祂荣耀的瓦器