Daniel 6

Psalm 86:1-4 “Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you”.

Daniel was not only a man of character and competence, he demonstrated five other characteristics that are essential for us to model in our spaces (wherever we find ourselves).

Firstly, Daniel was a man whose conduct was exemplary.  His conduct was evident to everyone.  His belief was the basis for his conduct and influenced his excellence at work and his tenacity in prayer.  Daniel believed that people should see what you believe and you should not discredit your faith at the workplace. This was demonstrated by him over and over again despite the many changes in the administration of empire at Daniel’s work site.  Daniel conduct stood out like a lighthouse on a dark night. Is our conduct exemplary demonstrating excellence in all things at all times?

Secondly, Daniel acted on conviction.  He knew that he must stand up for his principles.  Daniel did not follow every wind of doctrine. He knew what he was prepared to live by and for.  Daniel continued in prayer as he was convinced that God was bigger than the situation at hand. What and who are we convinced about?

Thirdly, Daniel was consistent.  Notice in the passage that Daniel when he heard what the new law was, he did what he always did: prayed three times a day at the open window.    He did not closet up.  His prayer life was so consistent that he knew that only his interaction with God could provide the very help he needed.  Consistency was so much a part of him that his enemies used this very thing against him. He knew that that would happen but he never wavered.  Do people know us as being consistent about those things that are right?

Fourthly, Daniel confronted the system of Babylon.  He continued to pray with ceasing.  He knew that this was his sustenance and knew that some practices were detrimental not just for him but on a whole. Daniel realized that confrontation is often necessary. But look at his strategy of confrontation!! He did not confront the physical manifestations, he confronted the spiritual principalities and powers in the high places, tearing them down through prayer and leaving the outcome to God.   What systems do we need to confront today?

Fifthly, Daniel was a man of cooperation.  He knew what battles to fight and how to fight them. Yet he submitted to the penalty of the lions’ den.   He knew that the battle was not his but would be best handled by God.  Our Christian lives need to be attractive to bring others to know Christ.  Look at the king in the passage.  He was so attracted to the God of Daniel which he only knew through Daniel’s actions.  We need to seek God asking him to shine through us as He teaches us how to fight the battles on our knees and when to cooperate.

PRAYER

Father, cooperation, confrontation, consistency, conviction and conduct do not come easily.  Give me what it takes to mirror these characteristics in my life so my life will give you glory.  In Jesus’ name and for his sake, Amen.