When Good Work Attracts Opposition

“He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” Daniel 6:27 N.I.V

Do you act diligently and responsibly in your work, “serving wholeheartedly, as if you are serving the Lord, not men”? (Ephesians 6:7). You may already have found out that this does not ensure that others will be happy about it. Some people will be jealous of the respect you command. Others will find you a stumbling block to their selfish or corrupt schemes. They may hatch plots to discredit you and tear you down. If such happens, take comfort from the story of Daniel in the Lions den (Daniel 6) and rely on God for his protection.

Daniel feared God and was exceptionally diligent and efficient in his duties. This earned him respect from the pagan King Darius the Mede who made him one of his top three administrators. Daniel so distinguished himself at his job that the King decided to make him his overall administrator. At this the other top administrators and other senior personnel were moved with jealousy and plotted to get rid of him. His work was perfect so they could not find any basis there to prefer charges. They used the fact that he did not worship the king as grounds to have him thrown into the lions den. God however was on His side and the lions did not harm him. Those who had falsely accused Daniel were subsequently thrown into the lions den together with their families where they perished.

God always looks out for those who rely on Him. Do not let fear, threats and alienation remove you from the goodness of the Lord.

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The jealous bring down the curse they fear upon their own heads.

Dorothy Dix

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