18 At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.
21 And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.
Daniel 1:17-21
I remember when I was twelve years old, I was given one of the main parts in the school play and I absolutely loved it. I loved the challenges, I loved the acting, I loved being in the spotlight but most of all I loved the applause. There is something intoxicating about the applause of others telling us that we have done well, that we are respected and that we are loved. We are social beings and scientists have told us that our brains can not distinguish between physical trauma and relational pain. When people reject you, it hurts deeply. When they celebrate you, it fills you with joy.
The trouble of our love of applause is that we can become at the mercy of the crowd. It may be the people who live in proximity to you, or it may be the tug-of-war of culture that pulls at you. When you are performing well, you will be riding high but when the tide turns, you can find yourself alone. This social roller coaster leaves many feeling afraid to step out or speak up because you do not want to cause a commotion. The irony is that we admire people who live by something deeper, who stand strong amidst the ever-changing tides of culture. People like Daniel who was more worried about what God thought than what people said.
Whose applause are you living for? Daniel, Hananaiah, Michael and Azariah lived for the applause of one. And he did applaud! He blessed them and gave them gifts. They became wise and had insight. They were able to interpret dreams. God responded with love and affection. He chose to bless them.
Reflection
- How do you find your relationship with peer pressure?
- What does it look like for you to live for an audience of one?
Respond
Lord, today as I go about my work there will be plenty of pressures on me. People will have demands and expectations of me. However, let me live for your praise alone. Let me serve them as if I am serving you and bring you glory and honour through my decisions. Amen.
