A Life of Distinction
Set Apart by Convictions
Recurrent Thought
Communities are influenced and impacted by People that are very clear about their convictions and are focused and determined in demonstrating them.
To be a Christ devoted follower is to be a person of Influence. We are told to be the salt of the Earth and the Light of the world (Math. 5:13-14). Either way, it is expected of Christ devoted followers to bring impact in whatever circumstances they find themselves. Additionally, as they bring influence in the world, they expected to do it with distinction.
In this message, we deal Characteristics of a life of Distinction as demonstrated by Prophet and Statesman Daniel. A life of distinction is one characterized by a very high level of achievement of vision and goals through focus, discipline, and dedication. A life of distinction delivers on its life purpose and visionary goals so effectively that it deserves commendation and honor. One significant aspect about lives of distinction is that they are lives of convictions. Remember the word conviction can be defined in two basic ways. Legally, a conviction is a judgment of guilty in a Court of law. Morally, a conviction is a strong lifelong belief that impacts my life. Daniel demonstrates that following God is synonymous with demonstrating deep rooted convictions
Every Christ-devoted follower must reckon that the privilege of ministering in higher places also inevitably exposes one to scrutiny, which many times leads to forms of persecution. There is always a war between light and darkness. However, the gains of living a life of distinction outweighs the pain that one incurs. One thing that we see is that Daniel continues to demonstrate a high level of moral discipline despite his age and working in different political administration.
Background
- Chapter 6 of Daniel is the most famous of the Bible stories. Unfortunately, many tend to think it is a Fable written to produce moral truths. This is a true story demonstrating the power of Yahweh.
- It is written within a short period after Darius becomes King around 539. Daniel is above 82 Years of Age and he is working for the administration of Darius the Medes.
- King Darius, under the Medes and Persians rules the domain of Babylon and it seems, he used the palace of the Kings of Babylon;
- Just like the previous administration, Darius led the new kingdom through the leadership of able managers. Here the King introduces an organization flow chart of 120 administrative governors (Satrap) who were each in charge of a geographical province. On top of these 120 governors are three officers who directly report to Darius
- Based on the excellent spirit in Daniel, Darius wanted to promote him to be above the other two.
Here we explore five thoughts about a life of Distinction
A Pursuit of an Excellent Life Distinguishes a Person
- To be distinguished implies a recognition of excellence or superiority
- Daniel distinguished his life by an Excellent Spirit. He was distinguished among his peers. It means others recognized his uniqueness and conferred respect conferred on him
- Daniel distinguished Himself through the Spirit of Excellence and Faithfulness. Daniel branded himself with excellence and faithfulness
- Darius recognized that excellent Spirit and decided to reward Daniel’s ministry with a promotion;
- Word Study (Referring to Daniel 5:11-12; 6:3, 10)
- The Wordspirit in this context is referring to the attitude, demeanor or lifestyle of a person.
- The Word Excellence refers to a virtue or value creating something of High Quality. Other words include Brilliance, Merit, Fineness, Superiority. Thus to excel means to exceed a given standard that is ordinary, average, terrible or unworthy.
- To be first-rate, first-class, exceptional, peerless, matchless, foremost, exemplary, top-grade, outstanding, superior, superb, superlative, splendid, deserving admiration, topnotch, A-1, marvelous, extraordinary, awesome, brilliant, fabulous, fantastic, heavenly, mind-blowing, stupendous, super, terrific, wondrous (best quality)!
- In Daniel 6:3, the Aramaic word for excellence (yattiyr) defines someone who is "pre-eminent, extraordinary, surpassing and going beyond expectations."
- In life it may also imply to be superior in quality, greater in quantity, to transcend your job description, and to outdo yourself each time.
- Excellence always causes others to prefer you. An Excellent person is more preferred
- You are always recognized through and by your performance
- An Excellent Spirit will always meet Obstacles
- Know that where Light is, darkness tends to lurk around. The spirit of darkness triggers all forms of persecution.
- We have friends who decide to trap Daniel knowing that the King wants to elevate him
- Leaders demonstrate their Jealousy against Daniel. They don’t want him to get what Darius plans to promote him.
- Promotion to honour is often the precursor of trouble. Some leaders could not stand that Daniel would be raised among all. Wrath is cruel and anger is outrageous; but who can stand before envy?” (Pro_27:4)
- Daniel was a godly man, living a godly life in ungodly culture.
- They are full of hate and jealous. They go to great length in wanting that Daniel is not promoted
- Jealous and Envy our terrible cousins. Jealous is resenting what someone has; while Envy is wanting what someone has.
- Always remember that working at a level of leadership higher triggers hate against you.
- When you are exposed, you are an easy target. Obscurity presents safety. The higher you climb the leadership strata the more you become the target of the enemy
- Ordinarily high office provokes envy. Remember being blameless is not insulation from the attacks of the enemy.
- Jealous should not characterize our lives. It is a mark of sinful flesh
- What does it mean that God is a Jealous God? He has jealous for us and not of us. This is the protective nature of God
- The Enemy attacks You where You are Vulnerable
- Your excellent performance creates enemies. “Haters don’t want to lose the shine”
- Moral excellence is no guarantee that you will not suffer persecution; Your living a Christian life is no guarantee that you may no experience divorce at the hands of a unconcerned spouse
- However, they thought his weakest area is where His Faith goes against what the Government or the King desired.
- In those days, divinity of Kings was practiced in many kingdoms. Thus, they persuaded King Darius to decree that for 30 days all should be praying to him
- Daniel knew the trap but he did not care for it, He expresses Integrity: He did not take the easy way out. He would have not prayed, just a month off.
- However, Daniel decided to demonstrate boldness and do exactly what the law objected He decided to go pray; he decided to do what he always did.
- Nothing would stop him to pray. He believed it was better to die for His Conviction instead of living with a compromise
- Daniel did not want to compromise his Convictions on the subject and practice of Prayer.
- He deemed a prayer life and time as essential to his spirituality. He had done this for years.
- Living and demonstrating your convictions demands that you do not mind what others say about it; however it also demands that you be mindful of the consequences of your actions.
- Daniel trusted his life into the care of the Lord
- God Always Delivers His Children
- Darius realized the trap but proceeded to honor the Law. So they threw Daniel in the den of Lions.
- Be confident that God will always step in the situation
- However, we must remember, as demonstrated through previous Chapters that God holds the authority as to how he answers our prayers.
- We cannot always predict the outcome with God but we can always trust God with any outcome (Gary Hamrick)
- God will always deliver: Sometimes through miracles of Prevention or of Preservation
- We also need to know that whether you live or you die, you are delivered. Deliverance is always possible
- A Life of Distinction (Convictions) makes an indelible Impact
- Through his strong convictions and behavior, People were impacted
- Darius is so touched by the influence of Daniel.
- One person so touched and influenced by Daniel is the king himself.
- He was angry when he found out that he was duped against Daniel.
- He tool demonstrated some deep conviction. He did not want to deliver Daniel illegally.
- He looked for a gap in the Law to free Daniel but could not find it
- He was loyal to his Word, He acted (Psalms 15:4)
- He was also loyal to Daniel: 6:16 Your God will deliver you (He really Prophesized
- He was an encourager of Daniel. He could not sleep
- Could it be the Magi who came to see Jesus stood on the legacy of Daniel?
- It takes the right people to bring influence
Conclusion
A life of Distinction is within reach. It is a demonstration of convictions despite challenges
Altar Time
Pray that you demonstrate a life of Distinction
Pray that you stand for positive convictions
Questions for Further Discussion
- Did Daniel have a persecution complex? Why did he go to pray, and to the end that he opened windows and was easily seen?
- Mention Convictions that Daniel Displayed in this Chapter
- Why do we have a challenge of demonstrating our Convictions?