Daniel: A Committed Man Of God

Daniel: A Committed man of God

Thesis: Daniel was a man committed to the spirit and as a result it influenced his life situation, rather than letting his life situations influence him.

Text: Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

Illustration: Video Clip from Mr. Holland’s Opus – The scene is at the end of the movie when he has been let go because of budget cuts. He wonders if he made a difference. He is escorted into the auditorium where he is surprised to find that it is packed full of people who influenced as a result of his commitment to teach them music. A former student now governor tells everyone that Mr. Holland touched everyone of his students and that, even though he may not have finished composing his musical symphony, his students represent his living symphony.

His commitment did make a difference – it impacted many lives.

Introduction: Daniel was a man similar to Mr. Holland he was a man who committed to the Lord and to others and it made a difference in others lives. Daniel was a man committed to the spirit of God. His commitment to the things of God influenced his life situation, rather than letting his life situation influence him.

Christianity without commitment is always Christianity without Christ.

Commitment is the mindset that refuses to compromise its relationship with Jesus Christ. To commit something means – to have a mindset that has pledged or promised to do something for the Lord. When we commit to being a Christian we in essence commit to being a witness for Jesus Christ to all we come in contact with whether they are Christian or not.

The other night I was channel surfing and came a cross a scene on Seinfeld where Kramer was trying to convince Jerry that he should not make a commitment to the girl he was seeing. Jerry asked him why? Kramer responded, “Because when you commit – your committed to prison.” He spoofs it like a mental patient is committed because he has lost his mind. Jerry bursts out, “No I want to commit to her.” Kramer right back at him, “ No man no he said. Listen to what happens if you commit. You can no longer watch television and eat supper. You have to sit down at the dinner table and talk to her man.” Jerry responds, “No way your kidding?” Kramer, “Yeah man you become a slave to her I want to know talks.” He continues, “You have to tell her what was good and bad about your day.” Jerry responds,” Get out of here!” Kramer says, “It’s over man your committed to prison and it’s pure torture.”

Commitment has received a negative rap today in our society we laugh about the Seinfeld shows play on what is commitment. But really our society has become a culture lacking more and more commitment to causes, patriotism, organizations, churches, school, and yes, even to each other in marriage.

Proverbs 16:25 warns us “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

Commitment is an essential part of the Christian walk. When we say we need to be committed to Christ it means the following:

1. When we commit it means we have the mindset to stick with it to the end.

2. When we commit we stand on our values even if others disagree.

3. When we commit we determine to not compromise our ethics.

4. When we commit we refuse to be polluted by the world’s ways.

5. When we commit we take responsibility for our actions.

6. When we commit we trust God when we face impossible situations.

7. When we commit we see God use us mightily in his kingdom to influence others.

When we learn the value and benefits of commitment we become amazed at the results.

You ask what kind of results? Here are a few that I have observed as a result of making a commitment to Jesus Christ:

1. Commitment brings peace and contentment.

2. Commitment brings divine insight to my life.

3. Commitment brings focus to my life.

4. Commitment brings integrity.

5. Commitment brings success to my life.

6. Commitment brings a life filled with fruitful labor.

7. Commitment brings a closer relationship with the Lord.

8. Commitment brings earthly rewards.

9. Commitment brings me respect from others.

10. Commitment brings changed lives.

11. Commitment brings hope to the hopeless.

12. Commitment brings dead people back to life.

13. Commitment brings eternal rewards.

14. Commitment brings honor to God who in return honors you.

Let’s do a character sketch on Daniel – a committed man of God- and learn how to be men and women who have a committed spirit.