Daniel 6:3 “Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.”
Dare to distinguish yourself like Daniel. Whether young, middle-aged, or older (like me), one can learn much from the life of Daniel. He has many life actions that should be emulated. As a teenager, he PURPOSED in his heart to live according to the commands of God. We all should have Daniel 1:8 memorized and be applying the principle of establishing convictions. Not only was he guided by principles, but as challenges came, he prayed, praying fervently for God to give discernment and understanding. He handled himself with great calmness in the face of crisis. Another of my favorite verses about Daniel is Daniel 2:14. With the executioner coming to kill him along with the wise men of Babylon, we read, “Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact.” One version says he spoke with “prudence and tact.” In other words, he kept his head so he could keep his head!
When we come to chapter 6, Daniel faces the challenge of a new administration. Daniel 6 tells of the reign of Darius and how his administration would work. As they looked for candidates to serve in the new administration, Daniel “distinguished” himself above others BECAUSE there was an “EXCELLENT SPIRIT” within him. This excellent spirit can be translated “that he had exceptional qualities” (NIV) or that he had an “extraordinary spirit.” (NASB) The idea is that he did the right things, doing them right and doing them REALLY WELL. His work was thorough, and it was done with integrity. The king and others could see that decisions were being made with great discernment. Daniel brought a lot to the room when he walked in, and the king realized he needed a man like Daniel in a high position.
As we think about this description of Daniel I would like to point you to a verse in Proverbs. It is Proverbs 22:29. It says, “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.”
Does your life and work STAND OUT? Do you strive for EXCELLENCE? I trust you are not like the lazy, in whom you find their hardest work is coming up with excuses. I believe we, as believers, should be known for excellence, not excuses.
How are you as a believer distinguishing yourself in your surroundings? Whether at home, or work, in your neighborhood, or at church, how are you distinguishing yourself? Is it with EXCELLENCE? Or is it with excuses? Be known for excellence, not excuses. Dare to be a DANIEL!
Continue Strong with an excellent spirit,
And remember to DATE the Word