Text: Daniel 6

Dear Brethren,

THE DEADLY POWER OF JEALOUSY
Jealousy is a deadly and powerful enemy. It can cause people to perform dastardly things against others. People have been known to kill others out of sheer jealousy. Sometimes, jealousy is called "the green-eyed monster". The term "monster" is not without some merit. Jealousy may well indeed be compared to a monster that slays.

THE JEALOUS COLLEAGUES OF DANIEL
When the King observed that Daniel had an excellent spirit and that made him stand out from among his colleagues, he planned to promote Daniel way above his friends. In the working world, this scenario painted in the Scriptures here would be easily understood.

Daniel's "friends" began to think of how they could bring him down. They obviously resented the King's inclination. However, they could not do anything too obviously negative against Daniel, or their evil plans would be discovered immediately.

Thus they began to plot against Daniel. We read about their nefarious plans in the following words,

"The governors and satraps ( i.e. a subordinate ruler)
sought to find some charge against Daniel
concerning the kingdom..."
Daniel 6:4

AN EXCELLENT DEFENCE AGAINST THE PLOTS OF WICKED PEOPLE
There are many things that we can do to protect ourselves against the wicked plots of enemies. Daniel appeared to have chosen the best defence. What was his defence?

We read that though the governors and satraps tried very hard to find fault with Daniel, they failed miserably. We understand why as we read this portion of Scripture.

"They could find no charge or fault,
BECAUSE HE WAS FAITHFUL,
Nor was there any error or fault
Found in him."
Daniel 6:4

The best defence against the attacks of wicked people is FAITHFULNESS. This is something that we must see and appreciate. This must be a challenge we give to ourselves. Let us cultivate the spirit of faithfulness in our hearts. We would never need to fear the attacks of wicked people when we are found faithful.

We can learn to be faithful in little things. We then move on to being faithful in bigger areas of responsibilities. If we persevere, we would find that faithfulness becomes a very real and strong asset in our life. Make faithfulness a part of your life.

Prayerfully,                                                                             

Pastor Charlie

First released 5th August 2001, © Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore