Unselfishness: Daniel
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Daniel, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is a profound example of unselfishness, demonstrating a life dedicated to God and the welfare of others. His account is primarily found in the Book of Daniel, where his actions and decisions consistently reflect a selfless character.

Early Life and Captivity

Daniel was among the young men of noble lineage taken captive from Jerusalem to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar around 605 B.C. Despite being in a foreign land, Daniel remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to God. His unselfishness is evident from the outset, as he chose not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, seeking instead a diet that would honor God (Daniel 1:8-16). This decision was not only a personal sacrifice but also a risk, as it could have led to punishment or death. However, Daniel's concern was not for his own comfort or safety but for maintaining his integrity before God.

Service in the Babylonian Court

Daniel's unselfishness is further highlighted in his service to the Babylonian kings. He consistently used his God-given gifts for the benefit of others, interpreting dreams and providing wise counsel. In Daniel 2, when King Nebuchadnezzar demanded the interpretation of his dream under threat of death to all wise men, Daniel sought God's mercy and revealed the dream and its meaning. Instead of seeking personal glory, Daniel acknowledged God as the source of his wisdom: "There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries" (Daniel 2:28). His actions saved not only his life but also the lives of many others.

Intercession and Prayer

Daniel's prayer life is another testament to his unselfish nature. In Daniel 9, he intercedes for his people, confessing their sins and pleading for God's mercy. His prayer is marked by humility and a deep concern for the restoration of Jerusalem and the honor of God's name. Daniel's focus is not on his own needs but on the collective well-being of his people and the fulfillment of God's promises.

The Lion's Den

Perhaps one of the most well-known episodes of Daniel's life is his experience in the lion's den (Daniel 6). Daniel's unselfishness is evident in his unwavering commitment to prayer, even when it was outlawed. His refusal to cease praying was not an act of defiance for personal gain but a demonstration of his loyalty to God above all else. Daniel's willingness to face death rather than compromise his faith underscores his selfless devotion.

Legacy of Unselfishness

Throughout his life, Daniel exemplified unselfishness by prioritizing God's will and the needs of others over his own desires. His actions consistently reflected a heart devoted to serving God and his fellow man. Daniel's life serves as an enduring model of unselfishness, inspiring believers to live with integrity, humility, and a selfless commitment to God's purposes.
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Daniel 5:17
Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let your gifts be to yourself, and give your rewards to another; yet I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation.
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Library

A Little Sermon to School-Girls.
... before him how he should correct this awkwardness in Daniel without wounding ... do right,
to change our spirit from selfishness to unselfishness, from unkindness ...
/.../a little sermon to school-girls.htm

None Greater than John the Baptist, Yet. . .
... the deliberate preference of the fare of kings' courts to Daniel's pulse and ... foremost
the attire of the soul in meekness and truth, purity and unselfishness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xii none greater than john.htm

The Children's Bible
... THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL. DANIEL IN THE LIONS' DEN. QUEEN ESTHER'S LOVE FOR HER
PEOPLE. ... THE REWARDS OF MODESTY AND UNSELFISHNESS. HOW TO USE MONEY. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/

After the War.
... of the present day that they have lost nothing of that corporate unselfishness,
seeking no ... the gift of a like sum for the like purpose from Daniel Hand, and ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xx after the war.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... unselfishness, [4]146; a pattern husband, [5]155; his hospitality, [6]207; overcame ...
Daniel, prayed for Nebuchadnezzar, [435]310; flourished by trials, [436]402 ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

The General Conference of 1804, and of the Annual Conferences of ...
... Benjamin Jones, John Durbin, and Daniel Ryan, of each of whom it is said that he
filled up his days in unselfishness, took their departure to a better world in ...
/.../chapter 6 the general conference.htm

The Character of Its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of ...
... his father; Joseph, love for his brethren; Moses, unselfishness and meekness; Joshua,
courage and leadership; Job, fortitude and patience; Daniel, fidelity to ...
/.../pink/the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter four the character of.htm

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ...
... the Law, [5178] might be an appeal to such passages as Daniel 12:2 ... around may well
have led more earnest to energetic admonitions to humility and unselfishness. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the third day.htm

Chapter xxx
... God may, indeed, have recognized her humble unselfishness. ... Psalm 147:16; So 4:2;
6:6; Daniel 7:9); goats are normally black or brown-black (So 4:1 b). The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxx.htm

Chapter xiv
... Indeed, in part his unselfishness is still further demonstrated ... for the same formula
of oath Exodus 6:8; Numbers 14:30; De 32:40; Ezekiel 20:23; Daniel 12:7) No ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiv.htm

Resources
Is the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar biblical? | GotQuestions.org

Where was God on September 11? | GotQuestions.org

What is self-actualization? | GotQuestions.org

Unselfishness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Unselfishness: Araunah
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