Daniel's Example
When it comes to negotiating a new normal, we can really learn a lot from Daniel.
He and his friends were dragged off into exile and were essentially brainwashed and indoctrinated in the ways of the Babylonians. They were stripped of their background, given new names, overwhelmed by heathen practices and tempted by opulence and power.
He and his friends were dragged off into exile and were essentially brainwashed and indoctrinated in the ways of the Babylonians. They were stripped of their background, given new names, overwhelmed by heathen practices and tempted by opulence and power.
I spent 7 days looking at Daniel last year and you can find those messages at the following link: https://emmdev.blogspot.com/2021/09/emmdev-2021-09-21-seven-days-with.html
Today, instead of examining the accounts about Daniel in detail, I'm going to summarise and highlight some of his important character traits and habits because I believe these helped him navigate his "new normal".
- Daniel was resolute. He was clear about the lines he would not cross. There were some battles that had to be fought.
- Daniel was winsome and good at connecting to people. This meant that people liked him and he brought out the best in them. This allowed him leeway and opened doors for him.
- Daniel was excellent in all that he did and gained the favour and respect of others.
- He was also courageous and disciplined in his behaviour. His life was an open book.
- He was a person of prayer and not afraid for it to be known.
- He was brave enough to deliver bad news.
- Daniel valued a good night of sleep.
These are just some of Daniel's character traits - emulating them will serve us well in our new normal.
| But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favour and sympathy to Daniel. (Daniel1:8-9) |
