Be a Godly Influence

“But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself. Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials, and the commander of the officials said to Daniel, ‘I am afraid of my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink; for why should he see your faces looking more haggard than the youths who are your own age? Then you would make me forfeit my head to the king.’

But Daniel said to the overseer whom the commander of the officials had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, ‘Please test your servants for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance be observed in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating the king's choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see.’ So he listened to them in this matter and tested them for ten days. Daniel 1:8-14

“As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams. Then at the end of the days which the king had specified for presenting them, the commander of the officials presented them before Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and out of them all not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's personal service. As for every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and conjurers who were in all his realm. And Daniel continued until the first year of Cyrus the king.” Daniel 1:17-21

No matter who we are, we each have the potential for influencing others either for good or for evil. Whether our sphere of influence is great or small, we do influence someone. Daniel’s life is a perfect example of the godly ability to stand alone when necessary in order to follow the dictates of a conscience which is sensitive to the Spirit of God. Why did Daniel exert such a strong influence on the kings of Babylon?

- First, he had strong convictions concerning the Word of God. As a boy, Daniel studied God’s Word and knew the principles, laws, and truths by which he was to live. He knew them, not only in his head, but in his heart as well. His whole life evidenced a heart like David’s - “after God’s own heart.”

- Second, he showed an unwavering commitment to God. He could not and would not participate in anything which violated his conscience and commitment to wholeheartedly follow God’s ways.

Because of Daniel’s example, those around him noticed his unique character, and his sphere of influence continued to increase. It is human to stand with the crowd. It is divine to stand alone.