713. DAN 6:3. DANIEL’S EXCELLENT SPIRIT
Dan_6:3. Daniel’s Excellent Spirit
"Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm."’97Dan_6:3.
The Bible is full of condensed truths. A mighty event is often described in a paragraph. A few verses detail the creation of the world. A few chapters, its history for nearly two thousand years. A few sentences give an account of the Deluge. The Bible is a book of seeds; from these a rich harvest of knowledge is to be realized.
Human compositions, at best, are as gold in the leaf, and thus a small quantity is spread over a great surface.
In the Bible we have it in ingots and precious bars, one of which will make a man rich for both worlds.
How true these remarks are in reference to Scripture Biography. A few words tell the history of Enoch, Melchisedek, and other illustrious worthies. The records of the life of Daniel are to be found in a few words, scattered through a book of only twelve short chapters.
Our text gives us a view of his moral excellences,’97"An excellent spirit was in him."
Let us consider,
The characteristics of an excellent spirit; and,
The importance of an excellent spirit.
I. The characteristics of an excellent spirit.
Now three preliminary observations may be necessary.
(1.) The spirit and dispositions of men naturally, are very diversified. A great and striking difference exists in men constitutionally.
(2.) An excellent spirit in a religious and spiritual sense, can only belong to man, as he has been renewed by the grace and spirit of God.
(3.) As to the features of an excellent spirit, we must be governed by the Word of God, and not by the maxims or opinions of men.
Laying down these great landmarks, we cannot err in our future conclusions. Now of the features or characteristics of an excellent spirit, we notice the following:’97
1. It is modest and humble, in opposition to a proud and arrogant spirit.
Self-exaltation seems to be identical with human nature in its unregenerated condition. Hence, how common self-complacency’97self-confidence’97self-boasting. Divine grace dethrones self, and enthrones Christ. Then there is conviction of sin, self-loathing and abhorrence. Now the soul is clothed with humility. Now glorying in nothing, save the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. What numerous reasons for this spirit! Our origin the dust. Our dependence on God for every thing. Our nothingness and vanity; especially our sinfulness before the Lord. This spirit is often recommended and urged. "Put on humbleness." "Walk humbly." "Though the Lord be high," &c.
2. It will be intelligent and wise, in opposition to an ignorant and uninformed spirit.
One of the grand elements of Christianity is light’97heavenly, divine, and spiritual knowledge. To know ourselves. To know God, as he is revealed in his works and word, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent. To cherish such a spirit,’97To grow in grace, and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ,’97To inquire after knowledge,’97To be fraught with the spirit of wisdom, &c. See the testimony given of Daniel, Dan_6:11. Now divine knowledge is the excellency of knowledge. It is soul-saving; yea, life eternal.
3. It will be self-denying, in opposition to a self-seeking spirit.
Now selfishness has an endless variety of manifestations: In luxuries’97in flesh pampering’97in rioting and wantonness’97in love of ease, &c. Now, an excellent spirit is the opposite of this. "It is crucifying the flesh," &c. "It is denying ungodliness and worldly lusts," &c. It is taking up the cross, and following Christ Jesus. We see this also exhibited in Daniel, chap. Dan_1:8.
4. It is benevolent and generous, in opposition to a sordid and illiberal spirit.
Goodness or benevolence is the very spirit and essence of religion. "God is love, and he that dwelleth," &c. The Christian is called to do good, &c. To do good to all, &c. "To do good and communicate," &c. He has shed abroad in his heart, the love of Christ. The principle of his love is, Christ’s love in him. "Ye know the grace of the Lord," &c.
A sordid worldly spirit is the opposite of God and godliness. It is odious in itself. It blights the mind; and must be annihilated, before we can be meet for a heaven of love.
5. It is charitable and candid, in opposition to a bigoted and prejudiced spirit.
Prejudice decides without evidence, and bigotry carries it out into dislike and exclusion. It was these which put prophets to. death,’97rejected the Redeemer, and crucified him, &c. It is these which have formed the spirit of persecution and intolerance in all ages. These are the two pillars of sectarianism of the present day. Charity and candor rejoice in truth and goodness, whereever they see them.
An excellent spirit delights in the lovely features of men, and not in their defects. Bigotry and prejudice say: "Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and we forbade him," &c. But charity and candor reiterate the words of Jesus: "Forbid him not; for he that is not against us, is on our side," &c. How truly lovely is this feature in the Christian character! How it shone in Jesus! How it is perfected in heaven!
6. It is decided and magnanimous, in opposition to a tame and compromising spirit.
In religion, decision is essential. Magnanimity often indispensable. Religion must not only be enjoyed, but confessed and professed.
There must be the visible putting on of Christ’97receiving Christ’97and walking in him. Not to be ashamed of Christ, and his cause, and people. "We must go without the camp," &c. We must be ready to venture all for Christ, and trust all with him. See this in Dan_6:7, Dan_6:10.
Decision and magnanimity are often required, even now, &c.
7. It is reverential and praying, in opposition to a thoughtless and prayerless spirit.
An excellent spirit reverences God’s name’97word’97day, house, &c. It cherishes holy fear. Is in the fear of the Lord all day, &c. It also dwells in the atmosphere of prayer’97regards prayer as a duty, and fulfils it;’97as a privilege, and delights in it. It seeks the grace of prayer, and cultivates the gift of prayer. It links prayer with all other things. "Is anxious for nothing," &c. Thus keeps up hallowed communion with God, and daily intercourse with heaven.
Such are the leading characteristics of an excellent spirit. See Dan_9:16.
II. The importance of an excellent spirit.
1. It is important to our religious character.
By this we know that we are of God. "If any man have not the spirit of Christ," &c. Other tests may deceive us’97as mere profession; general morality of conduct. The question after all is, What is our spirit?
2. It is important to our enjoyments. This spirit carries its own atmosphere with it. It makes man blessed. Is a pure air’97holy sunshine’97perpetual feast. Secures peace and joy, &c. Heaven within us on earth, &c.
3. It is important to our usefulness.
It will give us the best of all kinds of influence. It will sanctify talent,’97bless our labors to do good,’97bear down opposition.
4. It will recommend religion.
Here, the religion of the Christian will be in harmony with the religion of the word of God. This will carry conviction to the hearts of skeptics and gainsayers. Thus we are epistles of Christ’97thus true witnesses. Men will be constrained to behold, and admire, and take knowledge of us. Christ will be honored, &c. "We will go with you," &c.
Let the subject, 1. Lead to self-examination.
See what spirit you are of. Is it like Christ’s? Does it respond to his?
2. Seek after an excellent spirit.
Strive for it’97pray for it. Look with an eye of faith on the Redeemer. Let that mind be also in you, which was in Christ Jesus.
3. Our future condition will be that which will be congenial to our spirits.
Ignorant, proud, polluted, there will be no place in God’s dominions, suited to us, except hell’97utterly unfit for heaven’97could not enjoy it. Oh, then seek the renewal of your hearts. Pray as David did’97"Create in me a clean heart," &c. Hear the words of eternal life in the gospel, and believe with your hearts, &c.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS