“but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him.” Daniel 6:4
Integrity is rare quality these days. That’s because our culture doesn’t value moral principles and ethical standards, as it once did. But a life of integrity is connected to Christ, not culture. In fact, integrity is most evident when we hold to biblical convictions that are counter-cultural. And that’s exactly where we find Daniel in today’s devotion.
Certain men wanted to discredit Daniel because he’d gained the king’s favor. So much so that, “the king planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom” (v3). But there was nothing in Daniel’s character that could be exploited. So the only area they could attack was his faith. “We will not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God” (Daniel 6:5). What a testimony!
Keep in mind, Daniel had been brought to Babylon as a young man and was now over 80 years old. He was blameless, even after all those years. So it’s possible to live a godly life in an ungodly culture; and do so consistently. But that requires developing strong character that doesn’t surrender under pressure—character is built on godly perseverance and endurance.
Of course, living with integrity won’t stop some from making unfounded accusations against you. That’s why Peter said, “keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong” (1 Peter 3:16-17).
Could someone come after you for your godliness? Is obedience to God and His Word the pattern of your life? If you want to look back on a life of integrity then you have to stand firm when your biblical convictions run headlong into culture’s latest whim. Let’s face it, our world provides endless opportunities to develop qualities such as endurance and perseverance. When those challenges come—and they will—look beyond the circumstances and pray, “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You” (Psalm 25:21).
