Practical Lessons from Daniel (Part 2)
Our next practical lesson from Daniel is this:

4. WE MUST BE COMPASSIONATE WITH THOSE WE TEACH, BUT WE CANNOT COMPROMISE THE TRUTH.
Daniel 4:19 - "Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his thoughts troubled him. So the king spoke, and said, 'Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you.' Belteshazzar answered and said, 'My lord, may the dream concern those who hate you, and its interpretation concern your enemies!'"

Daniel's hesitation to interpret the king's dream was not out of fear but out of respect. It wouldn't be easy to tell someone they're about to go crazy! Nevertheless, Daniel delivered God's message as tactfully as possible.

5. GOD RULES IN THE KINGDOM OF MEN.
Daniel 4:25 - "They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses."

Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful man on Earth at that time, but not even he could resist God's will. Over 2500 years later, Jehovah still rules in the kingdom of men; and that's true whether we acknowledge His sovereignty or not.

6. ALLEGIANCE TO GOD NEVER INTERFERES WITH TRUE SUCCESS.
Daniel 6:1,2 - "It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss."

Daniel is a sterling example of the fact that fidelity to God does not interfere with true success. Daniel was elevated to positions of extreme power and influence in both the Babylonian & Medo-Persian empires! We must be strong and do what is right today, never worrying about how it might impact our position on a corporate ladder or salary scale.

7. WHEN YOU HAVE A BACKBONE OF IRON, NOT EVEN A LION CAN EAT YOU.
Daniel 6:10,22 - "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days...'My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.'"

Daniel was strong; he would not be moved from doing what was right. God would not allow the lions to eat a just man like this. Sadly, too many Christians have the backbone of a jellyfish! When their faith causes them discomfort or persecution, they quickly set it aside until it is convenient again.