Honor and Fame

If Hollywood producers filmed the story of Daniel, we can imagine them ending with the passage above: a young man, brought to a foreign land, miraculously selected to receive the finest training, then promoted to a role of great power—the perfect ending.

But this is not where the story ends. Daniel’s promotion led to confrontations with men who considered him a rival. The king was tricked into signing a law that resulted in Daniel being sentenced to the lions’ den. Later, he was forgotten but then called out of obscurity to interpret words written mysteriously on a wall. His friends were even thrown into “a furnace of blazing fire” when they would not worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s image.

As Daniel experienced, the world can be a fickle place. We see this in business, politics, and even churches. Power and fame can be achieved but then quickly lost. Jesus Himself would not entrust Himself to others, for He “knew what was in man” (John 2:24-25).

Yet people often forget these facts, still looking to flawed politicians to solve their problems. As Daniel discovered, people often are interested primarily in their personal ambitions and careers. Only a few truly seek God and His Kingdom, craving His wisdom instead of popularity or power.

Today, like Daniel, commit yourself to serving God all the time. Stay true to His call on your life. Remember to seek first His Kingdom. Use your influence to spread the Gospel. Speak out for your faith, and don’t be silent. Be sure to vote, and do your part to honor men and women who stand for Biblical truth.