Daniel 1:19-20 Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king.  And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm. For my job, I am a Consultant, which means I work for various companies that send me to other companies to help them out when they have problems. With this type of work, sometimes I have to go through the interview process and a background check. God has blessed me to do the type of work I do for over 20 years, and to do it very well. He has also given me a very high work ethic, which clients are always happy to see. So every time I read today’s devotional verses, it makes me smile, because I know I will do what ever I can to do the best that I can with the knowledge the Lord has blessed me with. (he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm.) On the other hand, I have heard of those who will not hire Christians, simply because they don’t work. They are too busy “sharing the gospel” to be bothered with actual work. But God has not put us at our jobs to share the gospel. No, He gives us jobs to work hard, earn money to take care of ourselves, family and help those in need. Also to be a witness with how well we work and our work ethics. Even Paul had a job. Acts 18:3-4 So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. If you read this, it clearly states that Paul “worked” (he stayed with them and worked) when he was at his job. And then on the Sabbath (or possibly after work), he would share the gospel (And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath) Now, don’t get me wrong, if you have the opportunity to share the gospel at work, you should. BUT, do it on a break or during lunch, not when someone is paying you to do a job. If you are sharing the gospel when you are supposed to be working, you are actually stealing from your employer, because he is paying you for 8 hours of work, not 7 hours of work and 1 hour of witnessing. But not only are we to work, but our work should shine above everyone else’s work, which speaks volumes about us Christian. the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm. Or this is how Paul puts it to the Colossians (note, change “slaves” to “employees and “masters” to bosses”): Colossians 3:22-23 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Have you lost your job or have been turned down for a promotion because you spend time sharing the gospel instead of working? Do you question God why you make so little at your job when those around you are excelling it? Does your work shine above everyone else’s, or are you just there to collect a paycheck? whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. God has blessed you with a job, so in return be a blessing to those you work for, and with.