Responsibility

Many things can speak to the character of Daniel. From the beginning of the book to the end his traits can be seen. These characteristics show Daniel to be a true man of God. Are we people that others can see as being true children of God? When others look at us, do our characteristics attest to this? If we examine ourselves honestly, how would we answer these questions?

Daniel is a man worth emulating when it comes right down to it. We can see that fact by just looking at a few of his traits. Daniel is a man that stands by God. Daniel was unwilling to waver from his convictions even though he faced death. Daniel is a man of prayer. We know that Daniel went to God in prayer at least three times a day. It would not be hard to believe that on some days he may have prayed more for special circumstances, as when he got a vision. He is a good leader of the people. When praying to God, Daniel spoke for the people, telling God of the sin that they had done. Daniel did not blame others like most would but took on that burden with them. These are just a few characteristics of many that Daniel has.

Going back to our self-examination, can we say that we have any of these traits? If we cannot say yes to these traits, then we have a lot of work to do to be true children of God. Therefore, here is our three-part challenge. First, we need to read through the book of Daniel. Second, we need to read through the book again, but this time, picking out and listing Daniel’s characteristics. Third, take that list of characteristics and work on making those our characteristics. May we always be the true children of God. Jacob Saarloos

Too many times we see churches that are led away from the truth because they are willing to blindly follow the one who is leading them. We indeed need to have leaders in place so we can be effective and strong as God’s people. However, it is our responsibility, each member of the body of Christ, to know when those leaders are false teachers. It is easy for some to follow their leaders without question. After all, they assume that they have the position because they know what they doing and what they are to do. But think for a minute about the kings of old. In particular, think of Manasseh king of Judah.

Manasseh was only a boy when he became the king of Judah and he turned the people from all things godly (Isa. 9:16). Manasseh’s leadership carried the people away from God. He was young and did return to God later in his life but the position he had meant nothing as far as keeping the people on the path of God. Manasseh used his position to accomplish his own goals. The people willingly followed and in the end, were led away into captivity because of it. We cannot be like those people who are easily led away from God. It is our responsibility to know better because all the truth that is God has been revealed to us. We must know all of that truth so that we can follow God even if there is an absence of leaders or to know those that are qualified to shepherd God’s flock. All the answers we need are in the book that brings life, and if we desire to obtain that life we need to know that book so others can’t lead us into darkness with well-spoken words.

Jacob Saarloos

A True Man of God

Our Responsibility to Know