This morning I spent my time in God’s Word studying Daniel chapter 5-8. Good stuff, deep prophecy. What stood out though, were the descriptions of Daniel given to us by people who were not followers of God. In fact, these people were actually followers of other gods, but they lived in relationship with Daniel, and the way they described him really challenged me. Why did it challenge me? That answer is simple: how do you want people who know you, but who are not Christians, to describe you to their friends?
Here is how Daniel was described by “non-Christian” people to other “non-Christian” people:
- Filled w/ a “light” [Dan. 5:11]
- Filled w/ the “wisdom” of God [Dan. 5:11]
- Filled w/ the “spirit” of God [Dan. 5:11}
- Filled w/ an “excellent spirit” [Dan. 5:12]
- Filled w/ “understanding” [Dan. 5:12]
- Known as “serving God continually” [Dan. 5:16]
If people who know me, but don’t share my faith (yet) described me by using even one of these phrases, I would know that I was on the path to spiritual impact. However, if people used all of these phrases to describe me…WOW…I would truly be bringing God glory by my life.
Listen, if people only describe your faith by your political views (or party), or by what you are against, you will struggle to reach them. Same for me. However, if we can be known like Daniel to those who are outside our faith at this point, there is a chance that they may see God in us and praise the “God of Daniel”, by speaking well of our faith. Think about it…good stuff.