And Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him. (Daniel 6:3)
Daniel was not valuable and preferred merely because he occupied an important position. He was valuable because of what he carried within him. His knowledge, understanding, wisdom, integrity, and excellent spirit made him stand out. When the king considered those who could be entrusted with greater responsibility, Daniel distinguished himself.
This is an important lesson for the Christian life. Don’t focus only on getting a position; focus on becoming the kind of person who can carry the position. Don’t only pray for greater opportunities; develop the capacity required for those opportunities. Don’t merely desire influence; become a person whose character can sustain influence.
An excellent person adds value wherever he or she is placed. When you speak, you bring clarity. When you work, you bring diligence. When there is confusion, you bring wisdom. When there is difficulty, you bring solutions. When there is discouragement, you bring encouragement. When you are given responsibility, people can trust you with it.
This is why you must keep learning. Read. Study. Ask questions. Develop your skills. Improve your communication. Increase your understanding. Most importantly, allow the Word of God to develop your character. Knowledge without character can become dangerous, but knowledge combined with wisdom, understanding, integrity, and love makes you a person of tremendous value.
Your Christian life should make you more useful, not less. Wherever God places you, let people experience the difference your presence makes. Let your excellence become a blessing to others.
Prayer:
Dear Father, I thank You for the abilities, opportunities, and capacity You have placed within me. Thank You for the instruction Your Word gives me concerning excellence. Thank You for increasing my wisdom, knowledge, understanding, diligence, and integrity. I declare that wherever I am placed, I bring value, solutions, wisdom, and excellence, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.