Carl Witty
12/01/19
When I think of daily faithfulness in worship, the Old Testament character Daniel comes to mind, especially the account recorded in Daniel 6 about his daily worship. Daniel had been promoted, as had two other men, in the Mede-Persian Kingdom to a position of governor who reported directly to the King. The King had given some thought to “setting him (Daniel) over the whole realm.” This possibility created concern and jealousy in the other two governors, so they devised a plot against Daniel. Since nothing could be found against Daniel in his job performance or loyalty to the King, they had to create an artificial wrong. These evil men went to the King, and playing on his vanity, proposed that all petitions for thirty days be made to the King alone. Anyone who disobeyed would be “cast into the den of lions.” Evidently this was designed as a method of capital punishment so horrible that it would deter even the most desperate criminals. King Darius signed the decree, which could not be altered according to the Law of the Medes and Persians. Their plot and the King’s decree became known to Daniel. Notice the following passage from Daniel 6:10 – “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.”
Daniel’s adversaries, of course, observed Daniel’s worship to God and promptly reported his worship to King Darius. The King, realizing that he had been tricked, was “greatly displeased with himself” – Daniel 6:14, but due to his unalterable decree, was unable to stop the execution plan. God delivered Daniel by sending an angel who stopped the mouths of the lions and Daniel emerged unhurt from the lions’ den. This miracle caused the heathen king to praise the true God. His written testimony includes these words: “I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, and steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall endure to the end.” Daniel 6:26
It is my conviction that our day to day connection to the Almighty is the most powerful force in our lives. A few days ago I ran across an article by Bill Hall entitled “On A Daily Basis.” You will be blessed by thoughtfully reading his article.
“A man, asked recently to describe memories of his college days twenty-five years ago, replied, ‘A few big moments; many goofs, but, overall, pleasant memories.’ Would these words not describe our memories of life generally? As we recall our years, there are always the ‘big’ moments, the emotional ‘highs,’ that we love to relish. Then there are the ‘goofs,’ the embarrassing occasions that just keep coming back to haunt us. But, through it all, the pleasant memories sufficiently prevail to enable us to feel generally good about life.
But, in reality, success or failure in life is not determined by the ‘big moments’ or ‘the goofs.’ We will not be eternally saved on the basis of a few great spiritual achievements or eternally lost on the basis of a few gross mistakes (assuming they have been repented of). Life consists of everyday actions and decisions, and it is these that bring ultimate success or failure, eternal happiness or eternal damnation. ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me’ (Luke 9:23).
It is one thing to express concern for our children as we talk of their future spirituality and faithfulness. It is quite another to provide on a daily basis a spiritual atmosphere in the home, a good example of godliness and faithfulness, consistent and loving discipline and a love for God and respect for fellowman that are so essential to the training of our children. It’s the little impressions that are made day by day that prove to be so decisive.
It is one thing to dream of some day being appointed an elder in the church. It is quite another thing to put forth the effort on a daily basis to learn the scriptures, to develop leadership ability, to grow spiritually, and to live as to gain the confidence of a discerning congregation. One does not qualify for the eldership in one big leap. It comes through daily development.
It is one thing to talk a ‘good line’ on priorities. It is quite another thing to put God first on a daily basis. The devil knows so many ways to test our resolve in these realms. Our intentions are good, but, through his subtlety, he has us selling our souls for a mess of pottage or thirty pieces of silver.
It is one thing to think that we would die for the Lord if our faith were so tested. It is quite another thing truly to live for Him on a daily basis. Egos may be fed on the ‘big moments,’ but true spirituality develops through daily prayer, study and meditation.
Our lesson is this. Set your goals for the future, and set them high. But recognize that it’s the little, day-by-day moments, the often forgotten moments, accumulated through the years, that truly shape our destiny. Tomorrow’s success depends upon the choices and decisions that are made today. Make them with care.” Well said, brother.
Photo by Eric Rothermel on Unsplash