The Impact of Integrity

“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”
Daniel 6:10

There are many factors that make a good leader, and integrity is one of them. Being honest, trustworthy, and of good character draws people in. That was the case for Daniel in the Old Testament. It was Daniel’s character that established him as a leader and helped him gain positions of authority under multiple kings. Daniel 6 explains that Daniel shined above other leaders because he had an “excellent spirit”. It was God working in and through him that set him apart.

Even the people who didn’t like Daniel, couldn’t find fault with him. We know that he was still sinful but these verses point to his integrity. When they could find no fault in his actions to take him down, they turned to his faithful devotion to God as a way to trap him. His enemies went to the king, encouraging him to establish a new law. A decree in which people could worship no one except for the king himself. If they disobeyed, they would be thrown in the lions’ den.

Daniel faced a difficult decision, should he be loyal to the king or to his Lord. We too face situations when our loyalty to God is tested, and what is our reaction? The king was important but Daniel knew who was above all else. Daniel didn’t let the law change his actions. He could have closed his door and prayed in hiding. Instead, Daniel 6:10 tells us “Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed… just as he had done before.” His loyalty to God remained his priority.

The other leaders found him praying and told the king of Daniel’s disobedience. The king liked Daniel but resigned to follow the law and threw him to the lions. The next morning, Daniel’s survival was a testament to God’s work in his life. When the king found him alive, Daniel explained that God had protected him. Daniel was preserved because of his faith. His integrity had a profound impact on the king and King Darius’ heart turned to the Lord. God used the integrity and faithfulness of his follower to work in the heart of an unbeliever.

We all have circumstances when our faithfulness to the Lord is challenged. We may not face death if we pray, however we do face situations when standing firm in the Lord may be unpopular. Perhaps we have a hard time speaking up for what we know to be true. We may easily praise the Lord on Sunday but slip into a different pattern of living during the week. Like Daniel, God desires us to live with integrity. The summer camp students this week are learning that integrity means doing the right thing even when other people aren’t around because God sees you.

God calls us to show integrity in every action we take, both in public and private, to display our love for Him. That includes in business dealings, work projects, interactions with friends and family members. Just as people saw something different in Daniel, our lives should cause others to see something different in us. As you go through this week may the story of Daniel encourage and challenge you. In what situations is integrity difficult? How can your actions more clearly display your love for the Lord?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, We thank you for the example of Daniel and the integrity shown in every aspect of his life. Just as people looked at him and saw an “excellent spirit” may they look at our lives and wonder what makes us different. Convict us of the times when our integrity wavers and challenge us to remain loyal to you with every action, word and thought. As we do so, may our lives and the work you are doing, draw others to you. We pray this in your son’s name, Amen.

Blessings in your week,

Makalah Scholten
Spiritual Care Coordinator

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