Daniel 6:4

New International Version

At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for chargesagainst Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.

For Meditation

The world knows integrity as a key part of true Christianity. They view faith as closely tied to truth, which we see in Christ, the Prince of Peace. What is surprising is how today’s Christians have reduced integrity to a subjective level for convenience.

As God’s children, we should let integrity shape who we are (Matt. 5:37). It should be the intrinsic quality we show in every relationship, and people should know they can trust us to be honest.

This busy world challenges Christians to set high standards of integrity for themselves in every aspect of life, and it expects them to do so. Because God is faithful, He expects His children to be trustworthy in our work, family, and ministry, and to act with care (Ephesians 6:14). Truth and honesty should guide everything we do, so people take our message seriously.

We appreciate working with people who show integrity. This quality helped Daniel serve under four different kings, even in tough situations. Even though the world isn’t perfect, integrity ranks highly in promotions (Dan. 6:3), and such recognition brings joy to families everywhere.

Picture God looking over Daniel’s record after his coworkers carefully checked “his conduct of government affairs” (4). Their report? “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God” (5). What honor to God! Would the same be said about you today and tomorrow?

Let’s try to remember Daniel’s example before we ever think about giving up our integrity. If things get hard, remember he was just a person like us. Still, he stayed true and succeeded even when life was tough (6-22). His victory shows us that, with the Holy Spirit’s help (Acts 1:8; 1 Jn. 2:20, 27), we can do even more.

You may be deciding your life today, and it challenges you to the core. It could be a marital decision, a business deal, an office report, a conflict resolution, or a social or political position to take. Will you stay on the side of convenience or that of probity and accountability? 

My prayer for you is to show integrity in everything you do to honor the Father through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and King. May you consistently conduct yourself honorably in every circumstance, because you are the child of the King, the Holy God who honors faithfulness (1 Cor. 10:31).

Shalom

Pray with Me

Father, I rejoice in my participation in the victory of integrity in this sin-stained and crooked world. Glory and honor to you through Jesus, my Lord, and the power of the Holy Spirit in me. Amen!