Daniel 6:6, "So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: "May King Darius live forever!" John 1:1-2, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning."

Think

Throughout this series, we've been learning what it means to be both self-aware and self-unaware. King Darius definitely fell into the latter category. In an attempt to frame Daniel-the poster boy for integrity and wisdom-a gang of government officials played to Darius' ego by flattering him. Did they really care if the king lived forever? No way! They were merely on a flattery fishing expedition to manipulate Darius. Their mission was for Daniel to be thrown into the lion's den, and it worked. The Bible has a lot to say about manipulation, because the enemy loves to twist and distort God's Word – especially in our most vulnerable moments. Satan even tried to manipulate Jesus. What were the enemy's tactics? They were his classic MO: temptation, flattery, and taking God's text out of context. Can you believe it? He tried to misquote God's Word to The Word! Therefore, familiarity with Scripture is key to avoiding manipulation and flattery. Let's keep in mind that self-awareness is the ability to see ourselves as God sees us, and our mission is to honor the only One worthy of our praise!

Act

Write down the following list of affirmations and post it where you can see it: • I am who God says I am, nothing more, nothing less. • Although I am weak, He is strong. • My purpose is to glorify God through my words, actions, and deeds.

Pray

Father God, thank You for Your Word of Truth. May it alone be the standard for which I see myself as I truly am. Today help me to not be prideful or self-seeking as I aim to please You, and You alone!