Blasting or Blessing?

The king needed help.

He had some disturbing dreams and needed to know what they meant.

He consulted with his official magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, astrologers and wise men.

When they couldn’t help him, the king raged and gave them all a death sentence.

Daniel, being one of the king’s wise men, prayed.

He asked God to intervene.

God revealed the answers to Daniel.

Daniel shared the information with the king—and his life was spared.

In fact, all of the men sentenced to death were spared.

There is something significant about Daniel’s interaction with King Nebuchadnezzar…

Daniel blessed him; he didn’t blast him.

He could have blasted the king.

He could have pointed out that magic and sorcery is bad.

He could have said “God is punishing you” for your harsh treatment of the people.

He could have said, “I will tell you everything you need to know about your dreams—as soon as you repent.”

But he didn’t.

Daniel was a blessing to the king.

He helped him. He met a need. Daniel was kind and gracious to Nebuchadnezzar…

And that is what produces influence and brings about change.

What was the king’s response?

He said, “Truly, your God is the greatest of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries.” (Daniel 2.47 NLT)

“The king appointed Daniel to a high position… He made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, as well as chief over all his wise men.” (Daniel 2.48 NLT)

Here’s my point: Blasting doesn’t make a positive difference. Blessing does.

“Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to BRING OUT THE BEST in others… not put them down, not cut them out.” (Colossians 4.5, 6 MSG)

“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.” (Matthew 5.16 MSG)

Our job is to bring out the best, not point out the worst.

We’re called to bless, not blast…

And that is what produces influence and brings about change.