Daniel: Living on Mission Every Day

Daniel is one of the more well known people in the Bible. Most everyone has heard to Daniel and the Lion’s den. But how does someone demonstrate that kind of faithfulness and that live on mission for God daily? How Daniel lived his life gives us encouragement that we, too, can live on mission daily.   

Excellence in His Daily Work

For starters, Daniel demonstrated excellence in his everyday life. From his earliest days in Babylon, he understood that his work performance was part of pointing people to God. When given the opportunity to serve in the king’s court, “God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning” to Daniel and his friends (Daniel 1:17). Their commitment to excellence wasn’t just professional ambition—it was missionary strategy. Daniel 6:3 tells us that “Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.” His superior work ethic opened doors for gospel influence that complaints or mediocrity never could have achieved.

Are you demonstrating excellence in your daily work and life? 

Unwavering Personal Integrity

Daniel’s mission mindset shaped his private decisions as much as his public ones. When pressured to compromise his dietary convictions, “Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine” (Daniel 1:8). This wasn’t legalism—it was strategic faithfulness. He knew that small compromises in private would undermine his public testimony. Later, when his enemies searched for grounds to accuse him, “they could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent” (Daniel 6:4). His spotless character gave weight to his words.

Are you demonstrating unwavering personal integrity in your life? 

Consistently Practiced Spiritual Disciplines

Daniel was committed to practicing spiritual disciplines, even when it became illegal. When his enemies tried to use his faith against him, he still continue to pray. In Daniel 6:10 it says, “Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” His consistent time spent with God daily wasn’t disrupted by changing circumstances or cultural pressure. This unwavering spiritual foundation enabled him to serve multiple kings across decades while never losing his prophetic edge.

Are you practicing spiritual disciplines in your daily life?