The Secret of Daniel’s Success

God brought Daniel and his associates into connection with the great men of Babylon so that they could represent His character. Faithfulness in little things set the tone for their whole life. They honored God in the smallest duties as well as in larger responsibilities.RR 173.1

As God called Daniel, so He calls us to be His witnesses in the world today. He desires us to reveal the principles of His kingdom. Many are waiting for some great work while they fail to fulfill wholeheartedly the little duties of life each day. While they wait for some large work in which they may use their supposedly great talents, their days pass away. We shall be judged by what we ought to have done but did not accomplish because we did not use our powers to glorify God.RR 173.2

A noble character is not the result of accident. It results from self-discipline, from subjecting the lower nature to the higher, from surrendering self to the service of God and humanity.RR 173.3

Today there is need of men and women who, like Daniel, will do and dare for the cause of right. Pure hearts, strong hands, fearless courage are needed. To every soul Satan comes with many alluring temptations on the point of indulging appetite.RR 173.4

The body is a most important medium through which the mind and soul are developed for character building. For this reason the adversary directs his temptations toward enfeebling and degrading the physical powers. Success here often means that the person surrenders the whole being to evil. Unless placed under the dominion of a higher power, the tendencies of the physical nature will work ruin and death. The passions are to be controlled by the will, which is itself to be under the control of God. The kingly power of reason, sanctified by grace, is to rule in the life. Intellectual power, physical stamina, and length of life depend on unchangeable laws. Through obedience to these laws, we may stand conquerors of self, conquerors of our own inclinations, conquerors of “the rulers of the darkness of this age.” Ephesians 6:12.RR 173.5

Daniel and his companions had the same passions as we do, yet they stood firm, because they depended on a strength that is infinite. A heathen nation saw in them an illustration of the goodness of God and the love of Christ. And in their experience we have an example of the triumph of principle over temptation, of purity over depravity, of devotion and loyalty over atheism and idolatry.RR 173.6

The youth of today may draw from the same source of strength and reveal the same grace in their lives, even under circumstances just as unfavorable. Though surrounded by temptations, especially in large cities where gratifying the senses is easy and inviting, by divine grace they may withstand every temptation that attacks the soul. But only those who determine to do right will gain the victory.RR 173.7

As these noble Hebrews said goodbye to their childhood home, little did they dream what a high destiny would be theirs. They yielded to the divine guiding so that through them God could fulfill His purpose!RR 174.1

The life of Daniel and his friends is a demonstration of what God will do for youth and children today who yield themselves to Him and seek with the whole heart to accomplish His purpose.RR 174.2