A Study in Daniel: How to Demonstrate Good Character

How to Thrive in Babylon 

Daniel 6:4, "At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent."  

"Basically, wisdom is the art of being successful, of forming the correct plan to gain the desired results. Its seat is the heart, the center of moral and intellectual decision (cf. 1 Ki. 3:9, 12)." [1]

Demonstrate Exceptional Character 

Daniel shows us how to live faithfully for God in Babylon. Daniel lived as an exile. We, too, are exiles in this strange and challenging world as we wait to go Home. 

Daniel had to choose whether to obey God or the new national law with horrific consequences. Political adversaries created a trap using a legal apparatus that seemed foolproof. His enemies set up the plan because they could find no dirt on Daniel.

This little group put out their spy network to get dirt on Daniel. The private investigator couldn't find anything. Nothing showed up on the wiretaps or phone records. A computer guru couldn't find anything suspicious in his digital footprint; nothing on Babylonian Facebook, Twitter, or email. There was no porn on his hard drive, no Internet searches for bad stuff. He was clean. If a group of people were determined to get rid of you, what would they find in you?

Daniel demonstrated such exceptional quality in his work that the king planned to set him over the kingdom. He was that good. "Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom."

In our "Babylon," distinguish yourself by your exceptional character and outstanding work. Followers of Christ should live exemplary lives in our workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods. I hope Christians regularly are recognized as "employee of the month" and "number one salesperson" because they do excellent work. The quality of our work and the integrity of our actions will speak loudly. 

Daniel's peers were not excited about his promotion. Their jealousy led to seeking grounds for charges against Daniel. They started scheming about how they could undermine Daniel. How will Daniel respond? 

Read more in "Big God in a Chaotic World: A Study in Daniel"

[1] Hubbard, D. A. "Wisdom." Ed. D. R. W. Wood et al. New Bible dictionary 1996: 1244. Print.