What are you known for?

A manager in another department at my place of employment asked if I would be willing to meet with her, as she was facing challenges in her new role as a manager. I said, of course, just add yourself to my calendar. The next day, a meeting invite popped up on my calendar with the subject “Faith and Leadership”.  I thought to myself – That’s different. A few days later, when we met, she explained that there were some things going on in her area that were challenging to her faith. She went on to say that she was being mentored by another leader who told her their beliefs did not align, and that she should go see Deitra. While she was talking to me about her frustrations, I was rejoicing in my heart that she had called on me because of my faith and leadership. At the end of our meeting, she asked if I would meet with her monthly to mentor her, so there was a recurring meeting on my calendar titled “Faith and Leadership”.  Whenever I saw the meeting on the calendar, I was reminded that my faith is on display.

In the 5th chapter of Daniel, King Belshazzar is having a great banquet where he calls for the gold and silver goblets that were taken from the temple in Jerusalem. While he and his banquet guests were drinking from the goblets, suddenly a finger of a human hand appeared and wrote on the wall. No one the king called upon was able to read the writing on the wall.

The queen overhears the king’s dilemma and says, “There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners. He did this because Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.” So Daniel was brought before the king, and the king said to him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom” (Daniel 5:11-14). Daniel told the king to keep the gifts the king had offered him to read the writing, refreshed the king’s memory regarding the judgment his father Nebuchadnezzar had suffered as a result of his sins, and then read the writing on the wall, which was God’s judgment on King Belshazzar for his sins.

According to these bible verses, Daniel was known to have:

• The spirit of the holy gods in him

• Insight, intelligence, and wisdom

• A keen mind, knowledge, and understanding

• The ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems

This directive to call for Daniel was personal. The queen did not say, call for one of the Jews, but based upon what was known about Daniel, she advised the king to call for Daniel. My question today is...What are you known for? I am not talking about your title or job description. Daniel was not called because of his title. He was called because of his God-given gifts and talents, but they also acknowledged the spirit of God in him. When the people were in need, they called for Daniel. They remembered Daniel. This was not fellow Jews calling for him; it was the world in need of Daniel.  What are you known for at your place of employment? What are you known for in your community or neighborhood? What are you known for in your family?

Daniel was not only known for his giftings of being insightful, intelligent, wise, and able to solve difficult problems, but he was also known for his faith. Those around Daniel recognized the spirit of the holy God in him. When the world calls on you and me in need of our gifts and talents, may they see the Holy Spirit who lives in us and sets us apart. It is our opportunity to demonstrate the love of God and even share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Someone whose beliefs do not align with yours or mine is watching us. So, whatever gifts or talents we possess and are known for, may they always include the Holy Spirit living within us.