Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast forever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth Daniel 6:25-27
Jealousy, Pride and Self-Exaltation are at the center of the human heart. It is that which separates us from the sweet communion with God. It is what cuts wounds so deep that we cannot know the truest of joy in our relationship with God or others. It not only is the poison within our own heart. It is at the center of the turmoil placed upon us by the world that surrounds us.
So, it was for Daniel as well who would find himself thrown deep into the pit of lions because of the jealousy, pride and the self-exalting hearts of those who surrounded him. Despite his being placed into captivity at a young age with his manhood stripped from him, Daniel had risen to a position of respect both within the courts of King Nebuchadnezzar and later under King Darius of the Medes after they had invaded and overtook Babylon. That in itself is remarkable! When another country takes seize of a former government, one would suspect that they would not wish to keep in high regard officials from the original government. Yet, Daniel was highly respected even by this new Monarch. Perhaps it was Daniels humility, grace, and wisdom that they noted, all learned by his constant devotion to studying Gods word and through his dedication to prayer. Daniel never ceased to pray three times every day.
Continue reading “How to Really Overcome the Jaws of Pride and Jealousy”