Living God's Will at Work. Daniel 5-6; John 15

May the mumbling commence!

What if someone wanted to bring us down?  Would they find any ammunition from how we live our daily lives?  Or do we live a life that would only leave our devotion to God as our weak point?  That is the way it was with Daniel.  Read from the beginning of chapter six:

Darius the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a prince to rule over each province.  The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the princes and to watch out for the king's interests.  Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and princes. Because of his great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire. 

Then the other administrators and princes began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling his affairs, but they couldn't find anything to criticize. He was faithful and honest and always responsible.  So they concluded, "Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the requirements of his religion." (Verses 1-5)

Daniel did his work to the best of his ability.  He worked for King Darius as if he was working for the Lord.  It’s a great example for us.  And Daniel was fruitful… so fruitful that it caused jealousy among his co-workers.

But Daniel’s co-workers couldn’t find anything to drag Daniel down.  They resorted to attacking his faith in God.  If we walk the walk that Daniel was walking, we will sometimes find ourselves in similar situations. 

We will be fruitful.  Read from John chapter fifteen:

"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.  Anyone who parts from me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.  But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted!  My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father.” (Verses 5-8)

Remain in our relationship to Christ, and we will produce much fruit.  This production brings glory to God.  Christ is our model.  Let’s be obedient to God… remain in the Lord at all times.

This way of life will spark hatred from the world.  There’s no way around it.  Read further from John fifteen:

"When the world hates you, remember it hated me before it hated you.  The world would love you if you belonged to it, but you don't. I chose you to come out of the world, and so it hates you.  Do you remember what I told you? 'A servant is not greater than the master.' Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you!”  (Verses 18-20)

When the chips are down, let’s remain in the will of our Master – the Lord Jesus Christ.

Enough mumbling for now…

Peace Out