Daniel 6

We live in a culture that seems to shun predictability as being boring, or even pensive. Culture says we should be unpredictable, spontaneous, and carefree. In Daniel chapter six we find the famous story of Daniel and the lion’s den. Daniel’s co-workers couldn’t stand him, and they had gotten some inside information that he was about the be promoted (over them). What was it about Daniel that with each new king, and each new turn in his life, something enabled him to move up, and up, the political ladder?

The newest king (Darius) desired to put him over the entire empire. We see that when his enemies desired to point out his flaws, but they couldnâ€™t find any, â€œthey could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him.â€

Daniel didnâ€™t come in to work late, he stayed his entire shift, he did his job with excellence, and he always did a great job. When they observe his job performance, there is nothing there they can point to as being inadequate, negligent, or faulty.

In our lives, one of our most powerful “witnessing tools” (church word meaning; “to tell of Jesus”) and way of showing our God to be mighty is how we perform our jobs. Do we work with excellence day after day, year after year, (Daniel was over 80), or do we do just enough to draw a paycheck? Or is our work performance based on how we are treated at work?

Along with his faithfulness to his job, was his surpassing steadfast devotion to his God. Daniel was so habitual in how he worshipped that they were able to craft a plan specifically based upon this faithfulness. If Daniel had not been faithful in his prayer and worship life, then their plan would have fallen apart. Are we so faithful that plans can be made against us? Are we so faithful to our quiet time (church word meaning, “to study God’s Word in a quiet place”) that everyone knows where to find us and what we will be doing.

Man, I love Daniel, but he is a man whose presence is very convicting. Sometimes we just don’t like to be around these kind of guys (or read their books) because they are so faithful that it makes our unfaithfulness really stand out. Let me encourage you today in your walk with God, to pray and ask God to show you where you could be more faithful and predictable in the things of God. Instead of focusing on how others seem to be more faithful than you, focus on Christ and seeking to please Him with your life. It’s ok to be predictable, faithful, and steadfast.

Recently, I have run into many Christians who have expressed a feeling of being tired and just wanting a break — a break from what I don’t know but it typically is in reference to either service in the church, or to Christianity all-together. I have known many who have just stepped away from the church (perhaps in their minds it began as a momentary step, but has now become a long-term sitting).[1]

If you look at Daniel ï»¿3, we see how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were rewarded for not bowing down to a false idol. They were resistant to fitting into the mold of the world, and stood for what they felt was right.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 ESV)

We would point all believers to their example of not doing something they knew was wrong. In the church world there are many things that we could point to as “sins” or things that believers or people shouldn’t do because of the damage it causes (either to themselves, others, families, etc.).

But for far too many people, their walk with Christ ends there. As though simply avoiding evil and not “sinning” is the purpose of our lives.

Daniel 3 must also be taken into account with Daniel 6. Daniel faces the lion’s den because he continued to do something that he felt was the right thing to do. No where in Scripture is one commanded to pray three times a day or to face any particular city (i.e. Jerusalem). Daniel could have simply stopped praying and worshipping God for thirty days. But he chose to continue to do so even though it potentially would cost him his life.

Scripture encourages us to have this balance in our lives. Avoid doing what is evil, and do what is good. Should we go to church (yes), should we avoid gossiping while we are there (yes too.) Should we steal (no), should we give to the poor (yes)? We have to avoid evil, while still continuing to do good. Stopping is not an option that is given to us in Scripture.

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”Â (Philippians 3:12 ESV)

Let me encourage you to keep going, don’t grow weary of doing good, and continually repent of your sin. God is sovereign and will take us home to be with Him one day, but until then, let us press on doing good in His name.

[1] see Psalm 1:1-2

How Predictable Are You?

Don’t Do Wrong, And Do Right