What Really Matters by Clinton A. Macomber
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Daniel 4
The Importance of Attitude
There are three different ways of undertaking a task. The first way to handle a job is to simply not do it at all. Some people ignore the task and put it off, or simply deny it needs to be done. It is hoped that the problem will just go away. At other times it is hoped that someone else will notice the task and do it. We just do not feel like extending the energy and effort to complete the job ourselves.
Secondly, we do the task, but with a rotten and improper attitude. This horrible attitude is sometimes a heart filled with pride and arrogancy over our accomplishments. The task is done so that everyone will notice how wonderful we are when something needs to be done. At other times we can work in such a way that everyone knows how much we hate what we “have” to do. We make sure everyone knows that this is meaningless and lowly work. Either way the problem is our attitude.
The third way to do a chore is to do it quietly and cheerfully. This is often the hardest for us to do. When things are done the right way, we realize that we are doing things to serve the Lord, and to fulfill some of our obligations to Him.
In this narrative, the Emperor of the World tells us how he did something with a completely wrong attitude. As he relates the events, he demonstrates that he has learned a very valuable lesson. He tells his story in a way that brings honor to God. Before he learned this, he had been a very proud man, taking the credit and glory for the great empire he ruled, even though God gave it all as a gift. A king is to be the faithful steward of the responsibility allocated to him by God. Everything he has and does comes from God. Carrying out his work with the wrong attitude brings severe consequences.
