Daniel Chapter 6: Verses 3-5 (NIV)
Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”
What an amazing ambassador Daniel was. He did everything properly and without compromising His faith. He was totally trusted by the king and even those who wanted to be rid of him could find nothing to accuse him of. It’s likely they wanted rid of him so that they could be more underhand in their government affairs, and his exemplary conduct prevented them from doing so. In the end they had to make up a charge that would mean he had to make a choice and take a stand for his faith.
If we live our lives following Daniel’s example, we too can have an impact on those around us, simply by having integrity and being trustworthy. There will be people who won’t like that either, but what a privilege to be such an ambassador for God. I remember reading about the late Billy Graham at the time of his death. It seems many in the media had tried over the years to find things which would discredit his testimony. They could find nothing. He lived just as he told others to. He really set a fine example. We might not have the same high profile as Daniel or Billy Graham, but as followers of Jesus, we are expected to live our lives as they did.
Dear Lord,
Help me to follow the example of Daniel and live my life in a way that reflects the qualities of Jesus, with honesty and integrity, and most of all without compromising my faith. I realise that at times this may make me unpopular but help me to stand firm. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.