DANIEL, THE PERFECT STUDENT.

            If you asked me, I’d say Daniel was the perfect student; he had a very good character, he excelled above all his peers, found favor in the eyes of his guardians and teachers, and he was handsome as well. It’s rare to find such a combo in one person, but Daniel and his 3 friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, had it. They weren’tborn with these abilities/ attributes, but instead, they developed it with “God’s Divine help”. That should give you some hope that you can become like Daniel, it gives me.

            So in this article you’ll see how you can become a Daniel to your generation, with these 3 steps.

1.   Although Daniel was in a “sinful nation”, Babylon, where he could have easily compromised God’s standards, yet he purposed in heart to remain spotless from the world. Daniel 1:8

---That’s how God wants us to live our lives, though we are in this world, God wants us to live like we’re not from it, He wants us to see ourselves as Christ’s Ambassadors, citizens of Heaven (Eph 2:19), He expects us to see this life as a passage to “Eternal Life”, not as a dwelling place. When we got born again, we were redeemed, set free from the bondage of sin and death, set apart from the world (lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life). Yet some still live like they were never saved, the only thing that differentiates them from sinners is the title “born-again”, very sad…. Daniel was a young guy when he made this decision, yet he didn’t compromise, Selah! (Daniel 1:4, Eccl 12:1)

2.   Daniel chose not to defile himself with the kings meat and wine. (Daniel 1:8)

--- The devil is the king of this world, choose not to defile yourself with the meat of this world – the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) or the wine of this world- evil and corrupt wisdom.

Instead, Daniel fed on vegetables/ pulses and water, which symbolizes The Tree/ Bread of Life and The Water of Eternal life, Jesus Christ (John 6:40, Genesis 2:9,John 4:13). We should endeavor to live like Christ did, walk in love and speak with wisdom and Truth like He did and also act discerningly like He.

            It’s one thing to choose not to sin, it’s another to become like Christ, don’t stop at the former. Christ the Living Word has sent us the Holy Spirit to unveil His Written Word to us. Don’t misuse/ ignore this privilege or take God for granted. Technically speaking, you’ve got nothing to lose if you obey Christ and do His Word diligently; the onlythings you’ll lose are the things contrary to God’s will and Nature in your life, worth it, innit? So don’t stop at giving your life to Christ and studying His Word daily, but do and obey His Word diligently, seeking first His Kingdom daily and in the early hours of your life. Walk, talk and do like Christ.

3.   Daniel trusted and leaned on God for the sustenance of His life. (Daniel 1:12-14)

--- Eating of the tree of life through Christ Jesus gradually reverses the distortion that was caused in nature and in our bodies when sin entered humanity through Adam’s sin (Genesis 3:3-6). You reverse this distortion by frequently cleansing with the blood of The Lamb (Jesus Christ) and asking for life, for example by saying “Father I confess our sins, so I clean with the blood, In Jesus’ Name I have life”; it’s not a magic spell so you have to say it in faith and with sincerity and conviction. Consequently, as you walk with God, in due time you’ll bear fruits of the spirit of life (Galatians 5:22, Isaiah 40:31, 1 timothy 4:8)

After 10 days, Daniel (and the three Hebrew boys) was looking healthier, fresher and more handsome than all the others because of these three things for­-mentioned. This pattern or practice continued for three years, during and after which they received an outpour of the Spirit of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. In addition, God gave Daniel the ability to understand all visions and dreams and they became a wonder to all around them. I bet you want that, right? If your answer is “Yes”, well, brace yourself up because it’ll be a bumpy ride, but it will be worth it, definitely. It might be tough but we have access to God’s Mercies, Grace and Strength to see us through. (Romans 9:16,2 Cor 12:9, Phil 4:19)

Daniel and his friends were probably mocked/made jest of because of this decision/commitment they made. Don’t expect anything less from others, family and friends, the world. Rise above hate and soar above it all, and have it in mind that God will never leave nor forsake His children, and one with God is ALWAYS a MAJORITY.

 Eat daily of the tree of life, seek first the kingdom and then you can eat of the tree of knowledge… and in due time, you’ll become a perfect student like Daniel, a wonder unto the world; and all other things will be added unto you.(Matthew 6:33)

Grace be with you all. Amen!