Conclusion of SERVE GOD WITH CONSTANCY

Since Daniel's custom of praying was well-known, what message would have been conveyed if he suddenly discontinued it?  Observers might well have concluded that Daniel was fearful of man and that the king's decree superseded Jehovah's law.  (Psalm 118:6) But Daniel showed by his actions that Jehovah received his exclusive devotion. (Deuteronomy 6:14, 15; Isaiah 42:8)  Of course, in doing this Daniel did not disrespectfully flout the king's law. Yet, neither did he cower by compromising.  Daniel simply continued to pray in his roof chamber, "as he had been regularly doing" prior to the king's edict. 

Servants of God today can learn from Daniel's  example.  They remain "in subjection to the superior authorities,"  obeying the laws of the land in which they live.  (Romans 13:1) When the laws of man conflict with those of God, however, Jehovah's people adopt the position of Jesus' apostles, who boldly stated: "We must obey God as ruler rather than men."  (Acts 5:29) In doing so, Christians do not promote insurrection or rebellion. Rather, their aim is simply to live peaceably with all men so that they "may go on leading a calm and quiet life with full godly devotion." -1 Timothy 2:1, 2; Romans 12:18.

On two occasions Darius commented that Daniel was serving God "with constancy." (Daniel 6:16, 20) The Aramaic root for the word translated "constancy" means to "move in a circle."  It suggests the idea of a continuous cycle, or something that is perpetual.  Daniel's integrity was like that.  It followed a predictable pattern.  There was no question about what Daniel would do when faced with tests, whether large or small.  He would continue in the course he had already established decades earlier-that of loyalty and faithfulness to Jehovah. 

God's present-day servants want to follow Daniel's course.  Indeed, the apostle Paul admonished all Christians to consider the example of God-fearing men of old.  Through faith, they "effected righteousness, obtained promises," and -evidently a reference to Daniel-"stopped the mouth of lions."  As servants of Jehovah today, let us display the faith and constancy of Daniel and "run with endurance the race that is set before us." - Hebrews 11:32, 33; 12:1. 

Next time:  WHO WILL RULE THE WORLD? CHAPTER NINE

From the book:  PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999