“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.”
Daniel 6:3-4
The quality of our character grows in proportion to the time we spend in God’s presence and in His Word.
While Daniel couldn’t wait for his moments alone with God, others spent their time trying to find fault with him. But they couldn’t. Daniel was a man who spent quality time with God. His outward life was a direct reflection of the time he diligently spent in the presence of God. So it is with us.
It is impossible to spend quality time with God and not be changed.
Jesus exemplified this for us. He was a man of prayer who continually spent hours alone with God. Whether trudging into the wilderness at dawn or speedily boarding a boat, Jesus knew that He could do nothing apart from His Father.
In the same way, if we desire to live the life Christ has for us then we must do the same. As we continue to spend time in His Word, we cultivate the very character of Christ.
Jesus said it like this, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you…you shall bear much fruit.” (My paraphrase of John 15:1-8.)
My desire is to grow progressively in the likeness of Jesus. His presence and Word are the only ingredients that cause us to live as He did. The more of God’s influence we allow, the greater our character.
Let His presence and His Word be our greatest priority in this life.
Written by Bryant Wright, Founder RFTH
DIG DEEPER
Read “Looking Like Jesus in a Modern World” also by Bryant Wright