“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” I Peter 3:15
Chapters 1-6 of Daniel provide interesting insights into how to be a witness for God. We know King Nebuchadnezzar became a believer
and possibly King Darius. Being a witness to harsh, fierce, autocratic kings would not be easy and God gives us, through Daniel, an example of effective witnessing to a hostile world.
1. Daniel Builds A Credible Foundation God shows us
that Daniel built credibility with those in authority over him. He
respected, honored and stayed under the authority of the master of
the Eunuchs (Daniel 1), Arioch, the captain of he king’s guards
(Daniel 2), Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3-4) and Darius (Daniel 6). He
honored them by faithfully carrying out his responsibilities that
Were assigned to him. This earned him the right to speak. 2. Daniel did not argue We never read of Daniel arguing with
those in authority over the decisions they made or over points of
theology. Daniel accepted Darius’ law of no prayer except to him.
He does not argue or complain, he simply cannot obey this law. He does not flaunt his disobedience. He goes about his life and obeys God in his natural manner. He lived the truth of Titus 3:9, “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless”. 3. Daniel spent much time in prayer We read a few of Daniel’s prayers but since he prayed three times a day every day, we only know a fraction of his words. We can be relatively certain that Daniel prayed for those around him to become believers. It is God’s
will that men should be saved and as Daniel prayed for people he knew God would open opportunities for him to share his faith. 4. Daniel’s faith was public Daniel was not ashamed of his faith. Those around him knew where he stood. It was not his work
But his faith that his subordinates attacked. Everyone knew how important Daniel’s God was to him. 5. Daniel constantly gave God the glory Multiple times in Daniel we read when he is praised he gives God all the glory. Daniel made sure everyone knew that God was the source of his knowledge and wisdom, When God led Daniel to talk others about their souls, it was not a surprise to then that Daniel spoke of God. They knew who his faith was in. 6. Daniel was ready to give an answer when the opportunity arose God opened some difficult doors for Daniel to share his faith. Perhaps the most difficult was when he had to share God’s pending judgment on King Nebuchadnezzar. The king was not one to take challenges or news he did not like very well. Daniel had to interpret the king’s dream and share God’s coming punishment on his pride. (It is never easy to talk about sin and eternal punishment to anyone.)
As hard as it was Daniel shared the whole counsel of God. Yet he did with obvious love for the king and grief over the truth of what he had to share. While the king did not like what he heard and did not respond favorably, God used the words He gave Daniel to touch the king’s heart although it took a while.
How do we witness? Live faithfully, prayer for others, give God glory, take the opportunities God brings into our lives and speak God’s whole truth (in love.