EXECELLENT SPIRIT – Develop an excellent spirit, Part 2, by Deacon Wole Bodunde

Bible Text: Daniel 1:1-16, Daniel 5:11-12, Daniel 6:3.

Prayer Point: Lord, make me what you want me to be so that I can produce what you want me to produce.

In part one of this series, we gave an insight to what excellent spirit is in reference to Daniel. Excellent is not a destination. It is a state of mind, a life style. To be excellent is to be the best among the best. It means condition of being extra-ordinary, more than best, something that can’t be faulted.

And before you can become excellent, you must have the spirit.

• Daniel was preferred above presidents because of this spirit.  Dan. 6:3.
• The traceable godly spirits that Daniel possessed include: Holy Spirit like Paul; Full of knowledge, great understanding of time like men of Issachar- I Chro. 12:32; Spirit of purpose like Esther that refused to be defiled- Esther 2:7, 17; defending the purpose of God for his life like Joseph who refused to do evil against God when tempted- Gen. 39:7-9.

All these summed together made him to exploit his generation, but not without facing challenges.

Challenges faced by Daniel (caused by Unexpected Change)

• Daniel was taken away into captivity from his parents. Unexpected change bends us out of shape especially when they are interfering with the general peace and security of our families.
• Confronted with drugs, sex, absorption, violence and even pornography in our society, including our public schools, we get angry, depressed and confused.
• We supposed that unhappy changes in our world violated our rights and just were not supposed to happen.
• This is not in the case of Daniel. He was forcefully uprooted from his parents and home land. He did not panic. Yet he did not cease to be godly.
• In a situation that could produce bitterness, he did not become an angry man, all because he has been taught to honour God and trust him.
• Godly training at home remains the key factor for producing fruitful Christian in a Christian world.

  Qualities of Daniel

• Daniel was good looking, gifted and smart. He was handpicked by Babylonia for a unique educational programme.
• He was trained in Babylonia but not by Babylonian.
• He was not absorbed into their culture and became one of the faceless cronies.
• Daniel’s home training for God could not be erased by his subsequent training.

Just say ‘no’ gracefully- I Cor. 6:17-20

• Daniel’s next crisis came wrapped in attractive package. His special training programme included wine and delicacies.
• Daniel could not have easily found several good reasons for saying ‘yes’ to this. The king expected it, others were doing it and it would taste good. How about your being lured to ungodly things.
• There was only one reason for saying ‘NO’ – it would defile him in the sight of God. (Many of our youths had lost their virginity years back).
• Daniel said ‘no’ but in a worrisome way.

Fuel for ego

• Temptation can come in all shapes and sizes and from any direction. In fact, our very victories can trip us if we become over confidence or proud.
• Daniel knew this – Dan. 1:17-19
• Daniel and his friends did not abuse the success and abilities God gave them by taking off an ego trip. (How are you using your talents)

What made Daniel Excellent?

• He purposed. Dan. 1:8-11. You need to determine what you will do.
• He had excellent spirit. Dan. 5:11-12.