DANIEL 6:10

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

TO PONDER

In our house we have taken to talking to our kids about integrity as, 'doing the right thing, even when you think no one is looking.' There certainly is an element of that when it comes to integrity. If you are going to have integrity you can't be one think in public and then another in your private life.

Daniel takes this one step further. Daniel keeps doing things 'just as he had done before' even though the circumstances have changed and even though his prayers to God could have him thrown to the lions. Not only that, Daniel makes sure to keep doing things 'just as he had done before'. He didn't hide his prayers, he was the same in public even though it was likely to get him killed.

In Australia today, it's not likely that your faith in Jesus is going to get you killed, and yet I hear people all the time make excuses about their participation in church or any faith community. Maybe it is their kid's sporting commitments and it's too hard to explain to the coach why you wont be at the game on Sunday morning. Maybe it's saying no to the Sunday brunch with friends and being bold enough to tell them you'll be going to church and maybe even inviting them along? Believe me, I get it. Even now, after being a pastor for nearly 6 years, many of my friends and even some family, don't seem to remember or understand, that I am simply not available on Sunday mornings.

Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is looking, but more than that, it is doing the right thing when they are watching even if it means negative consequences. After all Jesus did the right thing. It cost him is life, but it gave you yours. So what are you going to do with it?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you that you died on the cross and gave your life for me. Please forgive me when I fail to do the right thing because of the fear of others. Help me to be confident in you and to life each moment knowing that you are with me and will see me through, even in the face of the lions. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle