Another example of excellent spirit is Daniel, who was a man of absolute integrity and he had the finest kind of strength. He had great faith; and his attitude and exceptional qualities distinguished him above all people around him. The bible says in Daniel 6:3, “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”.

The administrators tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel but they could find no corruption in him because he was trustworthy. “Finally, these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it had something to do with the law of his God”. Daniel 6:5

So the administrators went to King Darius and asked him to issue an edict. They enforced a decree that anyone found praying to any god or man except to the king within thirty days, he should be thrown into the lions’ den. But Daniel refused to pay any attention to this decree because he would not compromise his faith.

“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree” Daniel 6:10-12a

So the administrators reported Daniel to the king and he ordered that Daniel should be thrown into the lions’ den. A stone was placed over the lions’ den and the king sealed it with his signet ring. But the king could not sleep all night! When Daniel was in the lions’ den, God sent His angel and he shut the mouths of the lions. The king was the first to get up at dawn and he hurried up to the lions’ den to see what had become of Daniel.

The king was overjoyed that the lions did not attack Daniel, and no wound was found on him. He gave orders that Daniel be lifted out of the den. He also gave orders for those who had falsely accused him to be thrown into the den, along with their wives and children. He issued a decree that in every part of his kingdom, people must fear the God of Daniel.

So Daniel prospered during the reign of king Darius, because he had an excellent spirit. Daniel’s life proves that a person with an excellent spirit is a powerful instrument in the hands of God. To be a man or woman of integrity is not easy but it is better not to compromise your faith. People of integrity are often misunderstood and falsely accused but God always shows up for them.

In our Christian walk, we should strive to be Christ-like in everything we do. It is impossible to please God without faith and when you compromise your faith, you do not please Him. Our Lord Jesus Christ did all things with the spirit of excellence. Even when He was going through floggings and crucifixion on the cross because of us, He did not complain. He wanted His Father’s will to be done. He was determined to please His heavenly Father.

Child of God, I encourage you to do all things with an excellent spirit, whether in your place of work, home, ministry and community. As you do this, you honour God and not man. Strive to serve well,  gain an excellent standing and great assurance in your faith in Christ Jesus.     PEACE

PRAYER OF SALVATION

If you have not already committed your life to Jesus and you would like to do so now, please pray this prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I am sorry for all the things I have done wrong. Thank you for dying for me on the cross, to set me free from my sins. I ask you to come into my life as my personal Lord and Saviour, and fill me with the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord Jesus. Amen.”

Congratulations, if you have prayed this prayer. Please look for a Bible-believing church, to fellowship with the brethren. Please do not hesitate to contact me, if I can be of any assistance to you. Remain blessed and enjoy the presence of the Lord.

Ronke Immanuel

THM(UK)