Daniel 6:4 At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.

Politics and politicians haven’t much changed throughout human history. Political assassinations are still attempted with great frequency, and are sadly successful at times. Physical assassination might be slightly less common these days, but character assassination is very much the order of the day, and for exactly the same reasons that have always prevailed: jealousy and personal advantage. The current rage of “cancel culture” is this taken to an extreme, and it is just as evil as it has always been. Since we can’t eliminate the devil and those influenced by him, the best resistance (James 4:7) is precisely what Daniel did: live an exemplary life. To be honest, that is going to enrage our enemies all the more, because it makes them look all the worse by comparison, but it puts us in God’s camp because it is submission to Him, just as James said. It’s interesting to note that the accusations used in character assassination are seldom if ever things the accuser wouldn’t do. Projection is very much the name of the game! That said, great faith, patience, and wisdom are called for in resisting such attacks. Daniel famously did not allow the attacks to deter him from devotion to God, (verse 10) and that is the example we need to follow. Our “den of lions” might not be as literal as his, but it could be as difficult to survive. We need to remember that God hasn’t changed, and just as He rescued Daniel, He can rescue us.

I’ve never been in large-scale politics, but I’ve come under attack in church settings as a pastor. I resigned one church on a point of principle, and one of those against me was profane that he wasn’t able to fire me! I’ve also had “whisper campaigns” that resulted in groups of people leaving the church. I’m never to dismiss criticism out of hand, but submit it to God for Him so show me any validity and need for repentance. At the same time, I am to maintain a thick skin, allowing God’s armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) to deflect the “flaming arrows” that are aimed at me. I am to walk in humility and assurance, which can be a difficult balance at times! Above all I am not to fear, either the devil or those controlled by him, knowing that He who is in me is far greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

Father, thank You for this reminder. I have no idea what attacks may come against me in this year, but I know that You are more than able to deal with them. Help me indeed rest, relax, and rejoice in You, continuing to grow as You desire and doing Your will on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!