Wisdom And Discretion

Daniel 2

When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, came to kill them, Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion. (Daniel 2:14)

MILLIONS OF JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN believers over the centuries have been displaced from their homelands and brought to foreign countries in which they are the minority and the surrounding culture is indifferent to or even opposes their faith. We can find several examples throughout the Bible of how the people of God have navigated that experience—but no single approach. That’s because situations, personalities, and the purposes of God may differ from place to place and time to time. Just as the descendants of the patriarchs had an appointed time as slaves in Egypt and an appointed time to be delivered, so might we need to know how to live under oppression, or in cooperation with, or in opposition to others. God gives us no formulas, only himself and his leadership. Wherever we are, we can follow his direction and timing.

Daniel and his friends did that as captives in Babylon, where Jewish beliefs were marginalized and pagan kings ruled. And when one of those kings threatened the lives of all his advisers, including his Jewish servants, Daniel responded with wisdom and discretion. He knew how to honor hostile authorities while maintaining his religious distinctives. He offered allegiance and duty where it was due, holding his allegiance and duty to God higher. He became a spiritual diplomat between the absolutes of God’s Kingdom and the dictates of earthly rulers. He let God teach him how to live in a foreign land.

Many of us will find ourselves in the same position, even when the “foreign land” is our own country and its history is predominantly Christian. In the multiplicity of today’s cultures, our beliefs may often be in the minority, and those with opposing beliefs may hold more earthly power. While the response of many is to complain, lament, or feel victimized, we know a better way—to respond with wisdom and discretion, just as Daniel did, honoring authorities, fulfilling our duties, and holding God higher in our hearts. Daniel was no victim; he influenced kings with the reality of a greater Kingdom. We can too.

{Lord, give me supernatural wisdom and the sensitivity to live with discretion in an often-hostile environment. May my integrity, loyalty, and discernment demonstrate the reality of your Kingdom and influence all who know me. Amen.