I’ll be the first to admit I get discouraged, disgusted, and downright angry at times when I listen to the news.

The disrespect… backstabbing… lies… disregard for the laws of our nation… people using their power and authority for their own selfish agenda…. It’s disheartening, to say the least.

It’s okay to feel this way.

Feeling this way is a sign we’re not apathetic or falling into sync with the rest of the world. But how we respond or act upon those feelings — that’s a whole different story.

Part of being obedient to God involves being obedient to the laws of the land. Even when the laws of the land condone acts God has pronounced sinful, we must still honor God by responding with love instead of hatred. Calm and firm convictions prevail instead of violence. Gentle words of truth are preferable to lashing out in anger, name-calling, and threats.

Daniel didn’t bend to the laws of a godless land. Nor did he attack those in charge or spread discord. Instead, he bowed to God in prayer.

Daniel’s defiance wasn’t angry and pompous. It was quiet and resolute. He did what he knew was right and trusted God to take care of the rest. Even those who wanted to destroy him had to admit that he was the model citizen.

Dare to be like Daniel.