The Integrity of Daniel
Imagine if the most powerful ruler of today's world would transport you to his nation and begin to reprogram you in the most significant areas of your life; such as spiritual, social, education, ethical, and moral. What if the values you have grown up with are God's commands for life and they are being challenged? What would you do?
Four young men from Israel had to face this challenge over two-thousand years ago. The king of Babylon transported them from their homeland to Babylon and began the reprogramming. Daniel knew that God's desire for him was to lead an uncompromised life, dedicated and obedient to Him in all areas. So, he negotiated and at times refused to do what was commanded so as not to compromise his integrity.
The word integrity means "whole" of "complete." So when Daniel lived a life of integrity, we can say that his life values were lived out in completeness or wholeness in God's eyes. He did not compromise God's commands for his life.
Daniel was not born with this integrity. He, like us, was born with a sinful nature. Only through a commitment to the Lord can we, like Daniel, begin to change our character into one that is pleasing to Him.
As we study the life of Daniel we discover five characteristics of integrity he displayed and are helpful for us to apply if we desire to live a life without compromise, whole, complete, with integrity.
The first of these characteristics Daniel displayed in his life was an unashamed boldness to live a life of integrity. When he was required to eat food offered to idols, he refused to eat it. Secondly, Daniel set standards for his life which were much higher than the norm at that time. The Babylonians had their standards of living. Since they did not match God's standards for life, Daniel set his according to God's. He refused to eat the food which was banned by God in His Law, and drink the wine all the rest of the young men were eating and drinking. He knew that wine would impair his judgment and behavior, so he refused it. Thirdly, Daniel depended upon and received unearthly protection for his life. God granted him favor and compassion as a result. (Daniel 1:9) Because he trusted in God and not man, God granted him favor, provision, and protection. Fourthly, Daniel's life displayed unhindered persistence . He never gave up! He fought through the resistance and never focused on the circumstances around him. This brought him through many situations where compromising his integrity would have seemed the easy way out. Fifth, Daniel's life exemplified unblemished faith in His God. He stood for truth and honesty, and never once compromised his faith in God. In response, God honored his faith in all situations. He and his three friends were always under the protection of God's hand and delivered from unbelievable situations.
Daniel and his friends are good examples for Christians today who struggle with the world pull on their life. When we are born again, God's Spirit dwells with us and in us. (John 14:18) The world constantly attempts to reprogram us from God's ways so we conform to its sinful ways. The Holy Spirit within us constantly helps us to be transformed into godly lifestyle of integrity without compromise. Like all ways with God... we have a choice. If we conform to the world system, we undoubtedly will not be whole or complete in God's eyes. If we choose to apply the five characteristics mentioned above, we will be on our way to living a life without compromise like Daniel.
Listing of past Food for Thoughts
