Daniel: Godliness

Every life, except for one, has been guilty of sin. We know sin to be the universal problem of man (Rom 3:23). Yet, every life has the opportunity of being weighed as godly. Righteousness, godliness, is a characteristic that can be true of every life lived, but it requires decisiveness. Daniel, throughout all his years, endeavored to live a life of godliness.

Daniel’s pursuit of a life pleasing to God is apparent from start to finish. As a young man, he maintained his integrity, refusing to be defiled (Dan 1:8). As a servant in a foreign land, his allegiance remained to God above kings (Dan 2). When the throne changed hands, nothing changed about his morals (Dan 5:1). And even when the kingdom changed (Dan 5:31), he remained the same — devoted to God.

Life comes with so many changes, each one resetting us at the fork in the road—one side is our way; the other, His way. Many life changes are tumultuous, placing an onus on us to maintain our integrity. One thing I am ever thankful for is the story of Daniel. A story that demonstrates, first, that I am always able to be faithful to God. A story that demonstrates, second, that God will reward my faithfulness. A story that demonstrates, third, that my godliness can be seen and influential to others.

Daniel, through all the changes, tough decisions, and the weight of forfeiting, remained faithful to his God. His God remained true to Him. His God blessed him immensely. His God will bless us immensely.

Are we like Daniel? Are we walking in integrity? Are we dedicated to Him? Are we determined, come rain or shine, to be at our Lord’s side?