Daniel 6:10 But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. King Darius had just signed a law saying that anyone who prayed to anyone or anything other than him was to be thrown into the lions den (yet another example of jealous officials using the king’s pride to get what they want). The officials who orchestrated the law knew that Daniel would not change or stop praying to God, even at the threat of death. What a reputation! And true enough, Daniel didn’t stop or hide. He prayed in the same place. He prayed with his windows wide open. He prayed three times a day, just like before. What integrity and trust! Daniel may have been concerned about the law (he wasn’t ignorant of it or its implications for him), but he didn’t let a fear of man overshadow his fear of God. There are two significant lessons here: 1. What’s your reputation? Do people know you believe in God? The jealous officials knew about Daniel’s faith because he lived it: he prayed consistently and openly, and he did his job in a way that glorified God (faithfully and well). Do I do that? Or am I a closet Christ-follower? 2. Don’t fear men more than you fear God. Daniel knew that continuing to pray would get him thrown to the lions. However, this didn’t deter him. He trusted God to be greater than the law and more powerful than the lions. Ultimately, God came through by shutting the mouths of the lions and rescuing Daniel. But Daniel didn’t succumb to the fear of man or what man could try to do to him. He trusted in a God who is greater than any man or any punishment. Do I let fear of man keep me from living the way I should? Do I fear men more than I love or fear God? Do I cower in my closet because I’m afraid to make the world mad? (This doesn’t mean that I should go out and burn down a building or hurt people I disagree with – remember God says to LOVE others, even if we disagree with their lifestyle or actions.) Or do I stand tall and firm in the believe that my God is bigger than anything they can throw at me? Thought-provoking questions. Great example.