During our bible study last week, we studied the character of Daniel on the subject of Leadership. As we read and discussed, I was amazed and awed all over again by the life of Daniel. He was more than just a Sunday School bible hero. He epitomised faith and courage in the present modern world.
Daniel. A Babylonian captive. A stranger in a foreign land. A minority. A slave in the king's palace. YET, he rose to become the King's 2nd in command. How did that happen??
Daniel purposed in his heart to obey and please God only. No yummy royal food could tempt Daniel from becoming defiled. He continued to pray 3 times a day as he had always done. He bowed to no other god except his God. In the face of death and of the lion's den, he obeyed only God's law and precepts. He most likely didn't have God's book of law with him when he was taken away from his home. He had only what had been taught to him as a child. And God showed him favour.
The Babylonian King tried to change Daniel and his 3 friends - their lifestyle (by introducing foreign royal food), their religion (by giving them foreign names after the Babylonian gods), their thinking (by giving them foreign teaching). But what Daniel and his friends had learnt in their childhood, they kept int heir hearts. Daniel and his friends refused to be changed. They purposed in their hearts to serve God and Him only. And God showed them favour.
In our day and age, temptations surround, haunting and threatening at every opportunity. I hope i will store up God's truth in my heart such that like Daniel, i can continue to live my life for God and not be shaken by the temptations and threats around me.
