Daniel 6:1-10 – The Power of Godly Habits
One writer observes wryly that chapter 6 BEGINS with a miracle – a squeaky clean politician! Daniel was kidnapped as a teenager was now was an elderly man, yet he managed to remain a man of absolute integrity throughout decades of intense pressure. What is the secret to following in his footsteps?
The most obvious secret to Daniel’s success was prayer – he was absolutely committed to praying no matter what. Without prayer he would never have been half the man he was. Of course, we all know that this is the case, yet for many of us, a close examination of our lives would suggest that we do not. Would there be any danger of you or me being caught out by the king’s spies or secret cameras? If we are serious about living godly, Christ-exalting lives, most of us ought to commit ourselves to prayer far more than we do right now.
Another secret was Daniel’s habits. I realise that saying this makes some Christians recoil; after all, our devotion to God should be far more than a matter of daily ritual. Yet, habits can be incredibly helpful things. A mother hears her toddler screaming in pain and runs to his aid. A world class cricketer moves his feet into exactly the right spot a split second after the ball leaves the bowler’s hand. An experienced driver engages the clutch without even realising it. Why? All three are acting out of habit. They don’t have to stop and deliberate before making their decision – they do what they are hardwired to do. Daniel has made a habit of obeying God in the small things (see chapter 1) and of praying three times a day (v10). When the challenge comes, he doesn’t need to stop and think – he does what he’s hardwired to do. We fool ourselves if we think we can turn faithfulness on or off like a lightswitch.
Will you learn from Daniel’s example? Will you seek to form habits that drive you to godliness and which exalt Jesus Christ?
Questions
- Is there a Christ exalting habit that you could begin to form today?
Prayer Points
- Pray that you would be able to form godly habits.
- Pray that you would not form them in your own strength, but in the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.