The Perfect Example
By Egoeh Seth Gogo

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that the might not defile himself. Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs”
Daniel 1: 8 – 10, KJV

The book of Daniel is one of the greatest books in the Bible when it comes to prophecy and what would happen in the last days. But for the contemporary Christian, it is the life of Daniel which is awe-inspiring.

It is believed among many Bible scholars that Daniel (Belteshazzar), Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach) and Azariah (Abednego) were the first few to go through a form of school – training – (Daniel 1:4). Daniel’s school is a special one. In the modern day, it will be called a special school, because it is not everybody who is selected for the training. The Bible says “Children in whom was no blemish,  but well favoured, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace” (Daniel 1:4).

The astounding thing about Daniel is his humility and devotion. He is talented and skillful, but in the midst of all these, the Bible said, he purposed in his heart never to defile himself. Daniel could be a great Scientist, a university professor or an engineer who is well-known for his skills in the modern day. But he never forget his God. Though he is very intelligent and skillful he still knows that all of these come from God – that is why he humbles himself before Him.

Brethren, Daniel presented us with a challenge. The portion of the king’s meat could represent things of this world – fame, riches, etc. Like Daniel, we will be faced with a lot of challenges, but we can decide to overcome those challenges or vice versa. I believe we can learn a lot from Daniel. I believe it is time for us to carry God with us everywhere we go. I believe it is time we start making things right. And I believe it is time we stand and defend our FAITH.

For the contemporary Christian, Daniel is the perfect example when it comes to humility, devotion, holiness and pureness of heart. May the life of Daniel inspire us to be clean for God.

May God grant you the humility and intelligence of Daniel so that you can see HIM in all that you do. May His Grace abound for you. May you be devoted to the the things of your FATHER who is in heaven.

AMEN!