(Daniel 6: 13-28)
Many workers and owners of businesses today testify that the environment in which they work or do business is hostile. It is hostile to their health, to their family life, to their faith in God, and to their material and spiritual well-being. Nigeria is reputed to be one of the most corrupt nations in the world. This translates to all manners of evil and wickedness that many are made to suffer every day in the business and working environment. But how is a Christian supposed to function in such a place? Some would say, “Avoid it altogether; look for a better place and, if you cannot get one, do nothing.” Paul acknowledged the fact that we cannot do without encountering a hostile business environment as long as we are in this world (1 Corinthians 5:9, 10). Those who want the perfect working environment before they work or do anything will end up doing nothing.
It is, however, possible to prosper in a hostile business or working environment. We have a lot of evidence in the Bible for this assertion. Joseph was sold as a slave to Potiphar in whose household he faced a lot of temptation every day from his master’s wife. The Bible records that “The LORD was with Joseph, and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master” (Genesis 39:2). When he was falsely accused and thrown into prison, it is recorded that “while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; He showed him kindness and granted him favour in the eyes of the prison warder” (Genesis 39: 20-21). Another notable Bible character that will serve as our example is Daniel. Daniel was sold into slavery in Babylon where he was later absorbed into the civil service of the nation. While in government service, Daniel encountered all kinds of hostilities and trials, but he overcame them all. The Bible summarizes his experience in this way: “So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian” (Daniel 6: 28).
Since Joseph and Daniel prospered in hostile business and working environments, anyone that has a similar desire can make it too. But how did Daniel make it? How did he prosper in a foreign land, a place of intrigue and betrayal, and among wicked and evil-minded colleagues?
In the first place, he who would prosper in a hostile business environment must like Daniel make up his mind that he would not compromise his faith in God (Daniel 1: 8). To prosper in a hostile business environment, you need to have a relationship with God through our Lord Jesus Christ and be determined to live up to the terms of that relationship no matter what happens. This relationship with God is made when you turn away from every sin and invite Jesus into your life to be your Lord and Saviour. There are some people whose life motto is: “When in Rome behave like the Romans.” But God said to the Israelites, “You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the LORD your God. Keep my decrees and laws for the man who obeys them will live by them. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 18:1-5). Daniel knew about the dietary laws that God gave to distinguish the Israelites from other nations. He therefore made up his mind not to compromise his faith in God. He may be a slave in Babylon but he would not be a Babylonian. If you work in an office or do business in a place where people lie, cheat, receive and give bribe, steal, drink, smoke, and commit all kinds of atrocities, do not attempt to be like them in order to prosper. Prosperity cannot be had in this way.
Secondly, be wise and tactful in the way you speak, act, and relate to others (Daniel 2:14-15). Many people who desire to live righteously in a hostile working environment get into trouble because they lack wisdom and are not tactful. When a command was issued by the king that all the wise men of Babylon should be killed, Daniel was said to have spoken to the executioner “with wisdom and tact.” The Bible says, “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered…Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone…(Use) soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have bad to say about us…Words from a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips” (Proverbs 17:27; Colossians 4:6; Titus 2:8; Ecclesiastes 10: 12). The Bible enjoins all those who lack wisdom to pray for it and God promises to give it to them. It is a great necessity for those who would prosper in a hostile working environment.
Thirdly, to prosper in a hostile working environment, you have to be prayerful (Daniel 6: 10, 11). You must learn to pray without ceasing as the Bible enjoins all believers in Jesus Christ to do (1 Thessalonians 5: 17). Since the hearts of all men are in the hands of God, you can always appeal to God to intervene in all matters affecting you in your business and working relationships. Daniel and his friends-Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego- prayed regularly to God, seeking His help in every detail of their lives. You must have a time of personal devotion to God every day. Don’t wait until a big problem surface before you pray. Pray without ceasing!
Fourthly, cultivate fellowship with other believers who face the same situations that you face. It is always helpful for those who share the same experiences to counsel with one another and pray fervently for God’s intervention in their lives. The Bible says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15: 22). The encouragement that fellowship gives to those facing difficulties is tremendous, and many have been able to maintain their loyalty to God because of the strength received from their brethren.
A great deal of power is released through concerted and united prayers of the brethren. Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “Again, I tell you that if any two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18: 19).
Fifthly, acknowledge God in all your ways and be humble (Daniel 2: 27-30).
Your eternal salvation and spiritual well-being are our concern. If you prayed to receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour, please write to let us know through the address below. You may also join us in worshipping God in Yoruba language at 7.30 a.m. or in English language at 9.00 a.m. every Sunday.
- Rev. Kayode Ilupeju,
Good News Baptist Church,
47/49, Olufemi Road,
Off Ogunlana Drive,
Surulere, Lagos.
Tel.: 0803-302-1008.
