Daniel 6:5

New International Version (NIV)

“We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”

For Meditation

You are a successful person. Hallelujah!

I mean, you have broken through what I call the “line of average means” in life, like a big promotion (Daniel 6:1-3). Since then, it has put you on a roller coaster ride with a good number and variety of temptations. You are struggling to manage the ride, but it is dizzying. The pressure to give in to each temptation intensifies each day. How do you cope? How long can you hold your ground before you give in to any of them? For they all present themselves as pleasurable and necessary (4-5)

Look at the number of requests you have received for help since your breakthrough. The company of “friends” keeps growing. Some even have come with birth certificates you know are fake to claim a spot in your family tree. You have become Pastor’s favorite congregant. When he is not calling, he is at your door for a visit. And the elders too. Where were all those people before your current status? Why now, and how have you handled them?

How about you? Possibly you have not noticed the demand you have piled on yourself and the mounting pressure on your life. Yesterday you could not afford many things, but now you have the means. Don’t you think your problems have increased because you have suddenly realized you can buy whatever you want, have whatever you want, do whatever you want, and get away with it. You hold a remote control for everybody, and you love it. Ego satisfied! Power, firm in your hand like the gavel in a judge’s hands! And maybe—just maybe—you crave worship and even demand it (Luke 4:6-7).

Many of us will reject this label on us, but can we be honest for once? You respond positively to most of these demands because you love the attention and praise they bring rather than the Lord, who has given you everything.

Now, pause and check your integrity quotient. Or where did you leave it? How does it weigh in your daily decisions and responsibilities now? Have you altered the calibration of the scale? Does the word of God have the same meaning and importance in your life as it did before your success? (Heb. 4:12-13).

May you know that integrity is possible when success embraces you in the corridors of power (Daniel 6:4). Your response to the test of integrity will determine the influence you will bring to bear on your family, church, community, nation, and the world around you.

So, enjoy your success, but let integrity continue to be your constant companion.