55. THE IMPORTANCE OF LOYALTYWould you deny God or go against His will to save your life?
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Let’s start this lesson with two very serious questions. But before you answer either one of them, be sure to think for a few minutes.
The first question is:
“What are you loyal to?” The second question is:
“What would you be willing to trade that loyalty for?”
Every single person on this planet is loyal to something. We are loyal to products, businesses, family, and friends. And while these are all important, our greatest loyalty should always be to God. He is the source of our life, values, and salvation. So in that context, let’s ask the second question again. Is there anything you would be willing to trade your loyalty to God for? Would you give up your beliefs for fame? Would you trade your religious values for prestige or wealth? Would you deny God or go against His will to save your life?
Before we look at another story about Daniel, let’s look at what Sadık did when he was pressured to compromise his values and convictions.
Sadık had been an acccountant for a long time. He was meticulous, had a good reputation, and was a hardworker. When he graduated from university he started working at a very unique, private school.
The school owner was very honest with all of his business transactions and insisted that every type of income or payment be recorded. Sadık had always considered himself an upright man and he really appreciated the school owner’s desire to be honest.
Thus he had no problem carrying out his responsiblities. In short, he felt like he had the perfect job.
After several years passed, Sadık decided to start his own business. He turned in all the paperwork, rented an office, and bought some furniture. Because of his good reputation, it wasn’t long before he had several customers. But Sadık was bothered by the fact that although his prices were competitive, he didn’t have more clients. Of course, Sadık wasn’t stupid and he knew the reason why many people chose to go to other accountants. Unlike them he wasn’t willing to lie.
"Why don't you just record less income so their taxes are lower?" Some of his colleagues asked.
But Sadık always refused. He wasn’t about to compromise his values to make a few lira. Besides he believed that if he was honest, God would take care of him and his clients.
"Sadik you need to be a little more exible with your beliefs. Evryone is doing it." They continued.
In other words, he could make more money if he compromised or went against his values of integrity and honesty. But Sadık ignored their advice and continued to trust in God. It didn’t happen over night, but Sadık did eventually get more clients. Do you know what their main reason was for choosing Sadık? They trusted him with their money. They knew that if he was honest with the government, he would be honest with them. Sadık’s loyalty to his values and to God not only improved his reputation and business, it gave God the opportunity to bless him. Don’t we all want to be blessed by God and have a good reputation! We have already seen that the prophet Daniel was a man of good reputation. Although he was wise and trustworthy, it was his loyalty to God and godly principles that pro- pelled him into positions of power and importance. From his first days in captivity, Daniel made it clear that he would never compro- mise his loyalty to God. But his loyalty was about to be tested at the highest level. Let’s start by reading Daniel chapter 6 verses 1-5:
1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom;2 and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss.3 Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. 4 Then the presidents and the satraps sought to nd a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could nd no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him. 5 Then these men said, We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we nd it in connection with the law of his God.
Daniel was still living in Babylon, but he was now witnessing the first ful llment of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. The Babylonian Empire had been conquered by the Medo-Persians. The new ruler of Babylon, King Darius, wanted to govern the province with order and accountability, so he organized his government into divisions. At the head of each division was a governor and over every
40 governors there was a president. The three presidents were obviously supervised by King Darius.
At this time, Daniel was old. But King Darius noticed that Daniel was an upright man full of wisdom and ability. He had served in the Babylonian political system for most of his life and knew the people and customs of the area. Because of his reputation and previous experiences, Daniel was appointed to be a president. As the text said, after a period of time Daniel proved to be more skilled than every other governor and president. This didn’t go unnoticed by the King and eventually Daniel became his trusted advisor.
Jealousy is almost as old as the earth and in this story we see that over 2500 years ago politicians were doing the same things they
do today. They wanted Daniel’s position and tried to question his credentials and character. The only problem was that Daniel was an upright and faithful man. They couldn’t nd anything against him personally. So they decided to attack him spiritually by making a
law against being good.
They knew Daniel was loyal to God in his everyday life. He sought God’s advice before making choices, shared his feelings, and wor- shipped God through daily prayer. They decided to use this against Daniel and tricked King Darius into passing a law that made it il- legal to seek counsel from anyone other than the king for 30 days. If a person were caught breaking the law, they would be thrown into the lions’ den. King Darius, unaware of their true motives, endorsed this new law knowing full well that according to tradition it could not be changed. Inevitably, Daniel would make a choice. Would he be loyal to God or compromise to save his life? Let’s see what happened next in Daniel chapter 6 verse 10:
10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.
So what did Daniel choose to do? Obviously, he continued to do what he had always done. He got on his knees and prayed. God had been the source of Daniel’s wisdom, success, and long life. Daniel knew this and had remained loyal to God throughout his whole life. He wasn’t about to compromise now, even if it brought death. Let’s continue with verses 11-13:
11 Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and plea before his God. 12 Then they came near and said before the king, concerning the injunction, O king! Did you not sign an injunction, that anyone who makes petition to any god or man within thirty days except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which can- not be revoked. 13 Then they answered and said before the king, Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or the injunction you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.
The governors and presidents quickly ran to King Darius and told them that Daniel had disobeyed his command. Their plan was
working awlessly. They knew Daniel wouldn’t compromise his loyalty to God and that the King would be forced to punish him. They even added fuel to the re by emphasizing that Daniel didn’t just break the law once, but rather three times in one day. In their minds, Daniel was about to meet his end.
But there was one problem. King Darius liked Daniel and in spite of the law being signed, he tried to nd a way to acquit him. In fact, he probably realized right away that the sole purpose of this law was to destroy Daniel. But all of his efforts were in vain because the gov- ernors and presidents reminded him that according to tradition the law could not be changed. If the king didn’t follow his own law, he couldn’t be king anymore. Thus, King Darius had to make the hardest decision of his life. Let’s read about it in verses 16-18:
16 Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!17 And a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel. 18 Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no diversions were brought to him, and sleep ed from him.
King Darius’s commandment was nothing more than the death sen tence for Daniel. He was thrown into the lions’ den and left for dead. He chose the death of a loyal martyr over the life of a compromiser and traitor. But Daniel didn’t go into the lions’ den alone. Just as King Darius acknowledged, God was with Daniel and He was in control.
King Darius was so distraught that he went home and sat alone. He refused food and all types of entertainment. How could he eat or laugh at a time like this? He knew that he had condemned an innocent man to death and his sorrow was so deep that it prevented him from sleeping. He waited and waited until the rst rays of sunshine pierced the darkness and immediately ran to the lions’ den.
Let’s continue the story in Daniel chapter 6 verses 20-23:
20 As he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions? 21 Then Daniel said to the king, O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm. 23 Then the king was exceedingly glad, and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
Daniel was alive! God’s loyal servant was not only safe; he didn’t even have a scratch. King Darius ordered his men to remove Daniel from the lions’ den. Although the Bible doesn’t say, he probably hugged him, checked him for wounds, hugged him again and kissed his cheeks. Who knows, maybe he even kissed his hand and put it to his forehead. The king’s most trusted advisor and friend was once again at his side. How do you think the governors and presidents reacted? What do you think happened to them? Let’s find out in verse 24:
24 And the king commanded, and those men who had maliciously accused Daniel were brought and cast into the den of lions—they, their children, and their wives. And before they reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones in pieces.
Although the punishment sounds harsh, it was fitting for the men. They had not only plotted to kill an innocent man, they had broken King Darius’s law in the process. After the law was passed, they discussed with each other how best to tell the king about Daniel’s offense. In other words, they counseled one another and brought judgment upon themselves.
It would be nice to think that the loyal always prosper, but that isn’t the case. We live in a world filled with sin and evil people. Some- times God intervenes and the loyal live long prosperous lives. While other times He allows events to unfold and the evil ones seem to get the upper hand. Therefore it is important for us to remember that our loyalty isn’t measured by the outcome of an event. It is measured by our willingness to obey God regardless of the consequences.
During the Middle Ages, it is estimated that the Catholic Church killed over 50 million people. Many were God fearing Christians burned at the stake, killed by sword, tortured, and thrown from cliffs because they would not submit to the Catholic church’s authority. No one was spared, men, women and even children were killed. So what were these God fearing Christians' offenses? They refused to pay money and engage in false worship practices for the forgiveness of their sins. They printed the Bible in their own languages instead of Latin, which wasn’t even the original language of the ancient Biblical texts. Among other things, they also believed that every person had the right and ability to communicate with God through prayer and worship. Like Daniel they preferred to die as loyal mar- tyrs instead of living lives lled with compromise and rejection of God.
Some people might say that they were stupid. If they had just given in they would have lived. But who would want to live a life without God? He is the source of love, life, and happiness. Without Him, you can’t really have any of those things. Perhaps King Darius himself summarized best the reasons why we should be loyal to God. Let’s nish by reading verses 25-28:
25 Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. 26 I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever;his kingdom shall never be destroyed,and his dominion shall be to the end. 27 He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wondersin heaven and on earth,he who has saved Danielfrom the power of the lions. 28 So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
A wise man once asked, “What does it profit a man if he gained the whole world and lost his soul?”
The answer is simple: nothing!
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think Daniel was so special? Why did he succeed at everything he did?
2. If Daniel had left his windows shut while praying the men wouldn’t have seen him praying and breaking the king’s law. Although it
was his custom, what was the real reason that Daniel didn’t hide his prayer from others?
3. Do you ever hide your faith from others? If so, do you think it is compromising your loyalty to God?
4. In a sense, King Darius’ loyalty to the Medo-Persian Empire was also tested. If he had released Daniel, he would have compromised
the fundamental principle of their law. Do you think he did the right thing by upholding the law?
5. How do you think Daniel felt when the stone was rolled over the opening of the den and he heard the growls of lions? What do you
think he did?
6. When tradition contradicts truth as expressed by God or outlined in the Bible, should we follow the tradition or the truth? In
essence, should we follow God or tradition?
7. Is there anything in your life that you are more loyal to than God? Is it friends? Family? Work? Money?
The first question is:
“What are you loyal to?” The second question is:
“What would you be willing to trade that loyalty for?”
Every single person on this planet is loyal to something. We are loyal to products, businesses, family, and friends. And while these are all important, our greatest loyalty should always be to God. He is the source of our life, values, and salvation. So in that context, let’s ask the second question again. Is there anything you would be willing to trade your loyalty to God for? Would you give up your beliefs for fame? Would you trade your religious values for prestige or wealth? Would you deny God or go against His will to save your life?
Before we look at another story about Daniel, let’s look at what Sadık did when he was pressured to compromise his values and convictions.
Sadık had been an acccountant for a long time. He was meticulous, had a good reputation, and was a hardworker. When he graduated from university he started working at a very unique, private school.
The school owner was very honest with all of his business transactions and insisted that every type of income or payment be recorded. Sadık had always considered himself an upright man and he really appreciated the school owner’s desire to be honest.
Thus he had no problem carrying out his responsiblities. In short, he felt like he had the perfect job.
After several years passed, Sadık decided to start his own business. He turned in all the paperwork, rented an office, and bought some furniture. Because of his good reputation, it wasn’t long before he had several customers. But Sadık was bothered by the fact that although his prices were competitive, he didn’t have more clients. Of course, Sadık wasn’t stupid and he knew the reason why many people chose to go to other accountants. Unlike them he wasn’t willing to lie.
"Why don't you just record less income so their taxes are lower?" Some of his colleagues asked.
But Sadık always refused. He wasn’t about to compromise his values to make a few lira. Besides he believed that if he was honest, God would take care of him and his clients.
"Sadik you need to be a little more exible with your beliefs. Evryone is doing it." They continued.
In other words, he could make more money if he compromised or went against his values of integrity and honesty. But Sadık ignored their advice and continued to trust in God. It didn’t happen over night, but Sadık did eventually get more clients. Do you know what their main reason was for choosing Sadık? They trusted him with their money. They knew that if he was honest with the government, he would be honest with them. Sadık’s loyalty to his values and to God not only improved his reputation and business, it gave God the opportunity to bless him. Don’t we all want to be blessed by God and have a good reputation! We have already seen that the prophet Daniel was a man of good reputation. Although he was wise and trustworthy, it was his loyalty to God and godly principles that pro- pelled him into positions of power and importance. From his first days in captivity, Daniel made it clear that he would never compro- mise his loyalty to God. But his loyalty was about to be tested at the highest level. Let’s start by reading Daniel chapter 6 verses 1-5:
1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom;2 and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss.3 Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. 4 Then the presidents and the satraps sought to nd a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could nd no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him. 5 Then these men said, We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we nd it in connection with the law of his God.
Daniel was still living in Babylon, but he was now witnessing the first ful llment of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. The Babylonian Empire had been conquered by the Medo-Persians. The new ruler of Babylon, King Darius, wanted to govern the province with order and accountability, so he organized his government into divisions. At the head of each division was a governor and over every
40 governors there was a president. The three presidents were obviously supervised by King Darius.
At this time, Daniel was old. But King Darius noticed that Daniel was an upright man full of wisdom and ability. He had served in the Babylonian political system for most of his life and knew the people and customs of the area. Because of his reputation and previous experiences, Daniel was appointed to be a president. As the text said, after a period of time Daniel proved to be more skilled than every other governor and president. This didn’t go unnoticed by the King and eventually Daniel became his trusted advisor.
Jealousy is almost as old as the earth and in this story we see that over 2500 years ago politicians were doing the same things they
do today. They wanted Daniel’s position and tried to question his credentials and character. The only problem was that Daniel was an upright and faithful man. They couldn’t nd anything against him personally. So they decided to attack him spiritually by making a
law against being good.
They knew Daniel was loyal to God in his everyday life. He sought God’s advice before making choices, shared his feelings, and wor- shipped God through daily prayer. They decided to use this against Daniel and tricked King Darius into passing a law that made it il- legal to seek counsel from anyone other than the king for 30 days. If a person were caught breaking the law, they would be thrown into the lions’ den. King Darius, unaware of their true motives, endorsed this new law knowing full well that according to tradition it could not be changed. Inevitably, Daniel would make a choice. Would he be loyal to God or compromise to save his life? Let’s see what happened next in Daniel chapter 6 verse 10:
10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.
So what did Daniel choose to do? Obviously, he continued to do what he had always done. He got on his knees and prayed. God had been the source of Daniel’s wisdom, success, and long life. Daniel knew this and had remained loyal to God throughout his whole life. He wasn’t about to compromise now, even if it brought death. Let’s continue with verses 11-13:
11 Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and plea before his God. 12 Then they came near and said before the king, concerning the injunction, O king! Did you not sign an injunction, that anyone who makes petition to any god or man within thirty days except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which can- not be revoked. 13 Then they answered and said before the king, Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or the injunction you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.
The governors and presidents quickly ran to King Darius and told them that Daniel had disobeyed his command. Their plan was
working awlessly. They knew Daniel wouldn’t compromise his loyalty to God and that the King would be forced to punish him. They even added fuel to the re by emphasizing that Daniel didn’t just break the law once, but rather three times in one day. In their minds, Daniel was about to meet his end.
But there was one problem. King Darius liked Daniel and in spite of the law being signed, he tried to nd a way to acquit him. In fact, he probably realized right away that the sole purpose of this law was to destroy Daniel. But all of his efforts were in vain because the gov- ernors and presidents reminded him that according to tradition the law could not be changed. If the king didn’t follow his own law, he couldn’t be king anymore. Thus, King Darius had to make the hardest decision of his life. Let’s read about it in verses 16-18:
16 Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!17 And a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel. 18 Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no diversions were brought to him, and sleep ed from him.
King Darius’s commandment was nothing more than the death sen tence for Daniel. He was thrown into the lions’ den and left for dead. He chose the death of a loyal martyr over the life of a compromiser and traitor. But Daniel didn’t go into the lions’ den alone. Just as King Darius acknowledged, God was with Daniel and He was in control.
King Darius was so distraught that he went home and sat alone. He refused food and all types of entertainment. How could he eat or laugh at a time like this? He knew that he had condemned an innocent man to death and his sorrow was so deep that it prevented him from sleeping. He waited and waited until the rst rays of sunshine pierced the darkness and immediately ran to the lions’ den.
Let’s continue the story in Daniel chapter 6 verses 20-23:
20 As he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions? 21 Then Daniel said to the king, O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm. 23 Then the king was exceedingly glad, and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
Daniel was alive! God’s loyal servant was not only safe; he didn’t even have a scratch. King Darius ordered his men to remove Daniel from the lions’ den. Although the Bible doesn’t say, he probably hugged him, checked him for wounds, hugged him again and kissed his cheeks. Who knows, maybe he even kissed his hand and put it to his forehead. The king’s most trusted advisor and friend was once again at his side. How do you think the governors and presidents reacted? What do you think happened to them? Let’s find out in verse 24:
24 And the king commanded, and those men who had maliciously accused Daniel were brought and cast into the den of lions—they, their children, and their wives. And before they reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones in pieces.
Although the punishment sounds harsh, it was fitting for the men. They had not only plotted to kill an innocent man, they had broken King Darius’s law in the process. After the law was passed, they discussed with each other how best to tell the king about Daniel’s offense. In other words, they counseled one another and brought judgment upon themselves.
It would be nice to think that the loyal always prosper, but that isn’t the case. We live in a world filled with sin and evil people. Some- times God intervenes and the loyal live long prosperous lives. While other times He allows events to unfold and the evil ones seem to get the upper hand. Therefore it is important for us to remember that our loyalty isn’t measured by the outcome of an event. It is measured by our willingness to obey God regardless of the consequences.
During the Middle Ages, it is estimated that the Catholic Church killed over 50 million people. Many were God fearing Christians burned at the stake, killed by sword, tortured, and thrown from cliffs because they would not submit to the Catholic church’s authority. No one was spared, men, women and even children were killed. So what were these God fearing Christians' offenses? They refused to pay money and engage in false worship practices for the forgiveness of their sins. They printed the Bible in their own languages instead of Latin, which wasn’t even the original language of the ancient Biblical texts. Among other things, they also believed that every person had the right and ability to communicate with God through prayer and worship. Like Daniel they preferred to die as loyal mar- tyrs instead of living lives lled with compromise and rejection of God.
Some people might say that they were stupid. If they had just given in they would have lived. But who would want to live a life without God? He is the source of love, life, and happiness. Without Him, you can’t really have any of those things. Perhaps King Darius himself summarized best the reasons why we should be loyal to God. Let’s nish by reading verses 25-28:
25 Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. 26 I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever;his kingdom shall never be destroyed,and his dominion shall be to the end. 27 He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wondersin heaven and on earth,he who has saved Danielfrom the power of the lions. 28 So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
A wise man once asked, “What does it profit a man if he gained the whole world and lost his soul?”
The answer is simple: nothing!
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think Daniel was so special? Why did he succeed at everything he did?
2. If Daniel had left his windows shut while praying the men wouldn’t have seen him praying and breaking the king’s law. Although it
was his custom, what was the real reason that Daniel didn’t hide his prayer from others?
3. Do you ever hide your faith from others? If so, do you think it is compromising your loyalty to God?
4. In a sense, King Darius’ loyalty to the Medo-Persian Empire was also tested. If he had released Daniel, he would have compromised
the fundamental principle of their law. Do you think he did the right thing by upholding the law?
5. How do you think Daniel felt when the stone was rolled over the opening of the den and he heard the growls of lions? What do you
think he did?
6. When tradition contradicts truth as expressed by God or outlined in the Bible, should we follow the tradition or the truth? In
essence, should we follow God or tradition?
7. Is there anything in your life that you are more loyal to than God? Is it friends? Family? Work? Money?