From Splendor to Shadow

The Secret of Daniel's Success

God brought Daniel and his associates into connection with the great men of Babylon that they might represent His character. Faithfulness in little things gave complexion to their whole life. They honored God in the smallest duties as well as in larger responsibilities. SS 252.4

As God called Daniel 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 daily they fail of discharging with wholeheartedness the little duties of life. While they wait for some large work in which they may exercise 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. SS 252.5

A noble character is not the result of accident; it is the result of self-discipline, of subjection of the lower to the higher nature, of the surrender of self to the service of God and man. SS 252.6

Today there is need of men 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 temptation in many alluring forms on the point of indulgence of appetite. SS 253.1

The body is a most important medium through which the mind and soul are developed for the upbuilding of character. Hence the adversary directs his temptations to enfeebling and degrading the physical powers. Success here often means the surrender of the whole being to evil. The tendencies of the physical nature, unless under the dominion of a higher power, 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 bear sway in the life. Intellectual power, physical stamina, and length of life depend upon immutable laws. Through obedience to these laws, man may stand conqueror of himself, conqueror of his own inclinations, conqueror of “the rulers of the darkness of this world.” Ephesians 6:12. SS 253.2

The Hebrew worthies were men of like passions with ourselves; yet they stood firm, because they depended on a strength that is infinite. In them a heathen nation beheld an illustration of the beneficence of God and the love of Christ. And in their experience we have an instance of the triumph of principle over temptation, of purity over depravity, of devotion and loyalty over atheism and idolatry. SS 253.3

The youth of today may draw from the same source of strength, and reveal the same grace in their lives, even under circumstances as unfavorable. Though surrounded by temptations, especially in large cities where sensual gratification is made easy and inviting, by divine grace they may withstand every temptation that assails the soul. But only by him who determines to do right will the victory be gained. SS 253.4

As these noble Hebrews bade farewell to their childhood home, little did they dream what a high destiny was to be theirs. They yielded to the divine guiding so that through them God could fulfill His purpose! SS 254.1

The life of Daniel and his fellows is a demonstration of what God will do for youth and children today who yield themselves to Him and with the whole heart seek to accomplish His purpose. SS 254.2