Daniel is a great role model. Check out his defining characteristics as attested by others:

* Spirit-led
* Insightful
* Intelligent
* God-centered wisdom
* Extraordinary spirit
* Knowledgeable
* Interpreter of dreams
* Riddle explainer
* Problem solver
(See Daniel 5:11, 12.)

Just between you and me, how many of these have you been called? 
* How many of them have you been called all at one time? 
* How many of these have you been called recently by someone outside your personal network?

There is something even more remarkable to notice in verse 17. Daniel did not leverage his wisdom or character to benefit himself. He was content with the applause of heaven, God’s smile on his life. He didn’t try to impress anyone or seek adulation. He was who he was, whether or not anyone was watching.

Here is a soul we can look to in clarifying our own life goals. Again, just you and me here, and I’m not looking over your shoulder or listening in on your conversation with God. Which of Daniel’s character qualities really, truly define you? Which of them would you like to define you?

Read chapters 1-6 in this majestic book. Trace Daniel’s habits and discover why he had such outstanding character. Which of his habits can you adapt?

* Diet focused on nutrition that honors God and serves others
* Prayer that seeks the heart and mind of God
* Deep investment in a few close friends
* Hunger for growth and development
* Commitment to personal purity
* Cultivated practice of listening for God’s voice
* Obedient response to whatever God says

Christ-centered character is cultivated, not appropriated. In the words of a song I used to hear on the radio, “You know, it don’t come easy.” The song goes on to say, 

Got to pay your dues if you wanna sing the blues
And you know it don’t come easy.
Written by: RICHARD STARKEY, Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Thank you, Ringo Starr. 

Daniel’s character likewise was formed in the white-hot circumstances of his age. He was captured and exiled to a faraway land, ripped away from everything he knew, immersed in a culture alien to everything he had been taught, and pressured to live like those who controlled the workforce. 

Instead, he did what he had to do to serve those above him. He did not do what would dishonor God to whom he belonged. He always did what was right, just, and fair, and he did it with such excellence that even those who rejected his worldview still sang his praises. 

Daniel was God’s problem-solver for kings who thought themselves the Be-All of their realms. Daniel honored their positions, and he kept his ultimate loyalty to God and God alone. His character elevated him to a place where God could use him to shape the course of history. We need more Daniels and Danielles. We need to live lives of Christ-like character and heavenly influence. 

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I will cultivate Christ-like character so that I may serve God and the people he sends me to.

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Our Father, build the kind of character into my life that honors you and benefits others. Give me the confidence to obey you even when there are threats of negative consequences. Use me in whatever manner you see fit to help build a better world. Amen.