Gabe is my grandson who I pray will grow to be desireably different from the world around him just like Daniel was.

 But Daniel was determined not to defile himself (Daniel 1:8)

Suited to serve in the royal palace (Daniel 1:4)

Unusual aptitude (Daniel 1:17)

Special ability (Daniel 1:17)

Ten times more capable (Daniel 1:20)

 It was heady stuff for a budding young adult male to be whisked into the palace of the king for an honors graduate program for exceptional students. Daniel was in the 99^th percentile. But what impressed others did not distract Daniel.

 Daniel was determined. What was his determination? Was it to never forget who he was wherever he went? No it was more than that. Daniel was determined never to forget who God was wherever he went. Daniel was suited to serve in a royal palace because he wasn’t trying to serve the king, he was focused on pleasing the Lord. Because he could honor the Lord he was fit to serve in the greatest house of men.

 Daniel was given remarkable gifts because of his determination. He was given “unusual aptitude” and “special ability” (verse 17).  This depth set him apart from all the other groomed junior executives.Â

 Daniel was “ten times more capable” (verse 20) because of one thing that he had done. Instead of being changed, Daniel changed others. If we are to become fit to serve in the places of leadership in business, in the church or in education we must grip tightly to Daniel’s secret: The environment will not change you if you will make the choice to change the environment. When God sees that resolve he will then change you in ways no study program can ever hone human skill.

 Wherever I serve in life I want to serve as if I were in the king’s palace. This grows out of my first focus to serve the ultimate King of all. Because I serve him, wherever I am at work no matter how humble, I must treat it with royal diligence. I must not let the environment change me, I must change the environment.

 Father I ask for the gifts of unusual aptitude and special ability as a reward for the determination to serve you while working for others. Amen.