Biblical Heroes: 4 Lessons from the Life of Daniel
The Bible is filled with the stories of famous characters and the adventures they faced. Some of us have heard of the story of Daniel and how God saved him from the ferocious lions. But do you know the characteristics that God blessed Daniel with and how his blessings serve as an example for us to follow?
Lesson 1: Godly Discipline
The first characteristic from Daniel that we can learn to incorporate into our lives is Godly discipline. The idea of discipline is simple but the practice of being disciplined can be difficult when we try to rely solely on ourselves and not entirely on God.
Discipline doesn’t come naturally in all circumstances or to all people and it does require our effort and our connection to God to cultivate and reap the benefits God intends for us.
To have the degree of discipline that Daniel needed, he prioritized prayer, maintained a steadfast dependence on God and remained unwavering in his commitment to God.
Discipline in Resisting Temptation
Daniel first demonstrated Godly discipline when he chose not to allow himself to eat food and drink that he should not, even though it was expected of him. It was a conscious choice that he advocated for himself and his companions so they would not be defiled.
Our lives are filled with temptations and distractions and recognizing the way that Daniel overcame temptations of fame, honor and riches act as an example of how we can overcome the temptations we endure.
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor the wine which he drank... ”
Discipline in Prayer
Daniel also showed discipline when he revealed the King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and its interpretation. However, before he offered an interpretation of the dream, he asked for time to go and pray with his companions for the “mercies of God of heaven concerning this secret.”
He went to God in prayer and, instead of being afraid of the Kings order to eliminate the wise men, he leaned on God to provide.
Daniel was a devout praying man, so much so that his enemies used his regular prayer to get him thrown into the lion’s den. He had confidence in God and our prayers should echo that confidence and trust in our daily lives.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ”
Lesson 2: Praising God Always
Daniel was blessed with knowledge, skill and the understanding of visions and dreams. Before he provided the dream and interpretation to King Nebuchadnezzar, he first praised God.
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever. For wisdom and might are His…I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have made known to me what we asked of You…”
Daniel put praising the Lord first in his life, which showed that he gave honor to God before doing anything to save or advance himself.
Lesson 3: Courage and Humbleness
Daniel also demonstrated courage and humbleness.
Over the span of the rule of several different kings (Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius) he was able to demonstrate God’s power. In each instance he showed courage to speak the truth that God provided to him and remained humble as he never tried to take credit for interpreting the dreams.
He dismissed the honors, riches and fame that the kings tried to present to him. Instead, by being humble and being used by God, even the kings recognized the power of God through their words and actions.
Lesson 4: Love For and Fear of God
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
With a multitude of lessons that we can learn from Daniel, the overarching quality that drove his actions and constantly yielded success was his fear of God.
Looking back at the story of Daniel, he was presented with many options to conform and to give in to temptations. He showed many characteristics that we should emulate by being disciplined, praying, courageous, humble, etc.
But at the root of those characteristics and his continued success and blessings, he always maintained a love for and fear of God above any fear, threats or concerns that were thrown at him.
We must always remember that it is by the grace of God that we are empowered.
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure. ”