Daniel: Faith Attacked

Perhaps someone develops feelings of jealousy toward you and determines to bring you down and make you fail. How would they do it? For the vast majority of the world, a proven plan would be to tempt with evil. I think of the example of Judah and Tamar (Gen 38). Tamar knew she could overcome her former father-in-law, Judah, by dressing as a prostitute and soliciting her services. Balaam knew that Israel would cave in at the opportunity to fornicate with foreign women. The chief priests knew they could buy Judas' betrayal for thirty pieces of silver. For the majority, if they were to be attacked, it would be an exploitation of their lusts and desires. For the few, if they were to be attacked, it would be an exploitation of their righteousness.

When Daniel developed enemies, those who grew envious of his rise in power, they attacked his devotion to God. They made a law against praying to other deities, placing a thirty-day injunction (Dan 6:7). Why was this done? Because they knew Daniel would not observe it, he was sure to pray. His habits and history of integrity ensured it.

I frequently think of the account of Daniel being sent to the lion's den and am challenged by it. Why was it him, and not others? Would I have ended up there myself?

There is a part of me that hopes I never have to be in that position. Yet, there is a part of me that would welcome this, so that I could really measure myself. There is a part of me that thinks I will always wonder: If my enemies were to attack me, would my integrity be the reason they felt they could succeed?

Would your enemies use your integrity as their ploy?