Why Did Daniel Stand Out?

I am continuing to study a bit in the book of Daniel. In chapter 6 Darius restructures the governing authority of the kingdom. He appoints 120 princes, also known as satraps, to rule the kingdom. Above these princes, he sets up three governors, and one of those is Daniel. The text also tells us that the king gave thought of setting Daniel in control of the whole realm. I have to ask a question. Why did he do this? Why did Daniel stand out above the rest? I think the answer falls into two categories: what he did not do, and what he did do.


Here is what Daniel didn’t do:

• He did not fight to get to the top.
• He did not pull the spotlight on all of his great achievements. 
• He did not try to undercut the achievements of others. 
• He did not have jealousy in his heart for anyone else on the candidate list.

Here is what Daniel did do:

• He set his priorities in order.
• God first
• Others second
• (Where is the list of stuff?)

Daniel had character.

• Definition of character: the inherent complex of attributes that determines a persons moral and ethical actions and reactions
• You’ve heard: It is who you are when no-one is looking!

Think about the following questions:

• Q: Do you change who you are when around certain people?
• Q: Would you be ashamed for others to know your secrets?
• Q: If we made a movie of your true character, would you mind having it played on prime time TV?

I have to admit we live in a world that is self-centered. People do all kinds of crazy things to "get to the top". But one thing is sure, to have a respectable and desirable character, you have to do it God's way. It is what Daniel did.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. [The New King James Version. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Mt 6:33.]

In Christ,
Doug
http://www.dougjohnson.net/