EXCELLENCE: LESSONS FROM THE BIBLICAL DANIEL

EXCELLENCE: LESSONS FROM THE BIBLICAL DANIEL

As we go about our daily personal and professional lives, we desire to be crowned with the best opportunities and privileges. However, many times when these opportunities present itself to us, we are not exceptional and do not deliver to standard because we lack the required attribute; Excellence. 

Excellence is that quality that sets an individual apart from others. It is a characteristic that enables people to achieve greatness, make meaningful impact, and leave lasting footprints and legacies. Hence, if you believe that you can become excellent at what you do, but lack the right character to learn from, come, let's draw inspiration to greatness together from a powerful biblical character - Daniel. 

Daniel is one remarkable and powerful example of excellence, found in the bible from the book named after him. Daniel, was a young Jewish exile who rose to prominence in the royal court of Babylon. In this article, we'll explore the key principles of excellence that made him stand out, and how we can apply them to our own lives.

God's Plan for Greatness

Many times, God causes situations to arise that can propel us towards greatness. However, it's up to us to maximize the opportunities He provides and tune into greatness via excellence. Daniel's story is a testament to this truth. As a young Jewish exile in Babylon, Daniel found himself in a situation that could have led to mediocrity. Instead, he chose to excel, and God used him to achieve greatness.

CHARACTERISTICS OF DANIEL'S EXCELLENCE 

A Commitment to Learning

Daniel's journey to excellence began with a commitment to learning. As a captive in Babylon, Daniel and his friends were forced to learn the language and literature of their conquerors. However, Daniel's dedication to learning went beyond mere obligation. He had a thirst for knowledge and a desire to excel in his studies. This kind of commitment to learning is essential for excellence in any field. Whether we're students, professionals, or simply individuals looking to improve ourselves, a willingness to learn and grow is crucial. As Daniel's story shows, a commitment to learning can open doors to new opportunities and help us achieve greatness.

Speaking with Wisdom

One of the key characteristics of excellence is the ability to speak with wisdom. Daniel demonstrated this quality when he spoke to Arioch, the captain of the king's guard. Also, with wisdom and caution, Daniel requested for time to provide interpretation to the king's lost dream, thereby showcasing his ability to think critically and communicate effectively. This wisdom not only earned him honor but also paved the way for his rise to prominence.

Faithfulness and Integrity

Daniel's excellence was not limited to his intellectual pursuits. He also demonstrated remarkable faithfulness and integrity in the face of adversity. When Daniel and his friends were pressured to compromise their values and eat food that was forbidden by their Jewish faith, they refused (Daniel 1:8-16). This act of faithfulness and integrity earned them the respect and admiration of their captors.

In our own lives, faithfulness and integrity are essential for achieving excellence. When we remain true to our values and principles, even in the face of challenges and temptations, we build trust and credibility with others. This, in turn, can open doors to new opportunities and help us achieve greatness.

The Power of Excellent Godliness

Excellent Godliness is not about being shy or timid. Rather, it's about being bold, courageous, and unapologetic about one's values and beliefs. Daniel's story illustrates this point. When faced with the pressure to compromise his values, Daniel stood firm, refusing to give in to the demands of his captors. This boldness and commitment to his faith ultimately led to his elevation to a position of power and influence. In the same vein, we must never play cowardice to anyone or anything that places a bet on our values. If you're on your way to being excellent, you must choose values that befit such and stand by them.

The Importance of Godly Friendship

Excellence is not a solo journey. An excellent man is always found in the company of excellent people. Hence, having godly friends who share your values and aspirations for excellence is crucial for achieving greatness. Daniel's friendship with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is a testament to the power of godly relationships. Together, they supported and encouraged each other to be excellent. Ultimately, this led to their collective rise to prominence in the land of Babylon.

A Heart of Humility

Furthermore, Daniel's excellence was marked by a heart of humility. Despite his remarkable gifts and achievements, Daniel remained humble and dependent on God. This attribute of humility allowed him to receive guidance and wisdom from God, which in turn enabled him to excel in his role as a royal advisor.

In our own pursuit of excellence, humility is essential. When we recognize our limitations and dependencies, we become more receptive to guidance and wisdom from God and others. This, in turn, can help us achieve greatness and make a meaningful impact in the world.

Focus and Courage

Excellence requires focus, courage, and a willingness to stand before kings. Daniel's ability to interpret the king's dream and provide wise counsel demonstrates his focus and courage. He didn't let fear or shyness hold him back from seizing the opportunity to excel. Also, Daniel did not procrastinate in attending to the king's business. Now, think about yourself, how many times have you feared to start up that dream project, or complete that article? How many times have you said "I will do it tomorrow"? Now is the time to take the bull by the horn. Start now! Do it now!

The Favor of God

Finally, it is pertinent to understand that excellence requires the favor of God. Daniel prayed daily, three times, constantly seeking the face of God in all that he had to do. This act of Daniel, clearly shows that hard work and determination are essential, but they're not enough. The favor of God is also essential, as it is what sets an individual apart and enables him to achieve greatness. Even Daniel acknowledged, "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His" (Daniel 2:20). In the same vein we must constantly seek the favour of God and request that it surrounds us like a shield while we go about our tasks excellently.

Conclusion

Daniel's story offers valuable lessons for anyone striving for excellence. His commitment to learning, faithfulness, integrity, wisdom, godly friends,humility, focus and courage provides a powerful blueprint for achieving greatness. As we apply these principles to our own lives, we will experience the same kind of excellence that Daniel demonstrated or even more. Remember, excellence is not just about personal achievement; it's about making a meaningful impact in the world and leaving a lasting legacy.