Daniel’s Influence

Shane Williams

 Daniel’s life revealed the authenticity of his faith in God.  He conducted himself so honorably in his high office that Darius “planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom” (Dan. 6:3).

The other governors and satraps, however, were jealous and began to plan a way of getting rid of Daniel.  As hard as they tried, however, they could find nothing in his life to use against him.  They said, “We shall not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God” (vs. 5).  The Bible says that “he was faithful; and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him” (vs. 4).

What a record of faithfulness!  He was loyal and diligent on the job — all the while giving God first place in his life.  Daniel’s life was so far above criticism that his enemies had to create a situation in which his commitment to God would come into conflict with his position.

Would we stand up under such close examination like this?  Are we so faithful in our work that our fellow employees could  “find no charge or fault” in us?  It’s commendable to talk about religious things and Christianity.  Don’t leave out the influence of a godly life and a job so faithfully performed that others could find no fault.

Like Daniel, our behavior should be blameless.  Then we too will have a life that gives praise and glory to God and shines like a beacon before our fellowmen, leading them to Christ.

                                                                      The Lilbourn Light, Vol. 9, No. 8, Dec. 2008