Daniel 10:11a He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man treasured [by God]. – Holman Christian Standard Bible
How would we be described by our spouses, children, friends or co-workers, if they were asked what kind of people we are – and they answered with brutal honesty? Their answers would say a lot about who we are; what we do; how we do it; what are we like to be around; how honest are we; how thoughtful; how ‘other’ oriented; do we brighten their days – and so on. (Sounds like a candid eulogy, doesn’t it?)
How would God describe us? This gets to the heart of the issue. He loved us while we were sinners and showed that love by sending Jesus, through whom we have the opportunity to become His children. But now that we are family, we need to recognize not only the responsibility we have, but the opportunity!
We want our children and loved ones to become people of quality. It’s not a matter of us loving or not loving them – it’s a matter of the lives they lead. We experience great joy and pleasure as we see them grow and mature in Godliness. The same holds true with God. How we grow – or not grow – in Godliness, is critically important to Him. It impacts how He views and interacts with us. (Don’t be thinking judgment here – but think as a loving parent.)
I rejoice that He has given us Daniel as an example of what will happen in lives that are totally given over to Him. Consider how scripture describes God’s view of Daniel:
- you are a man treasured [by God]. – Holman Christian Standard Bible
- for you are very precious to God – New Living Translation
- for you are greatly beloved. – Amplified
- you who are highly esteemed, – NIV
Think of it!! We have the opportunity to become men and women that God would describe as He did Daniel: treasured, very precious, greatly beloved, highly esteemed. By walking in His word, the Holy Spirit produces the character and likeness of Christ in every area of our lives. This is the result of truly loving God. We don’t pursue it for recognition – but for the wonder of pleasing and blessing Him.
