Having The Excellent Spirit: Living Godly in an Ungodly Age

How do you remain faithful to God when everything around you is pulling you in the opposite direction? In this powerful message, Fr. Paul reflects on the life of Daniel and the description Scripture gives of him: “Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him…” Daniel 6:3 Daniel lived in Babylon, surrounded by a culture that did not know or honor God, yet he refused to allow the world around him to determine the life within him. What was different about Daniel? His spirit was first. Through Daniel’s example, Fr. Paul explores four qualities of a life governed by the Spirit: Purpose. Prayer. Perception. Power. Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself. He developed a consistent life of prayer “since early days.” Through that relationship with God, he received spiritual illumination to understand God’s will and the power to stand firm when everyone around him was compromising. This message challenges us to ask: Do I have a clear spiritual purpose? Have I drawn lines that I refuse to cross? Is prayer actually forming my life? Can I recognize where God is working and where the enemy is attacking? Do I have the spiritual power to say no? Living godly in an ungodly age does not mean escaping the world. It means becoming so filled with Christ that His presence becomes visible wherever we are. “Purpose and prayer will give you perception and power.” May God give us the courage to dare to be different, to live with an excellent spirit, and to belong completely to Him.