美國加州一所大學的科研人員做了一項實驗，以「分子擦拭檢測」找出手機使用者的生活痕跡，瞭解他們的特質和生活習慣。他們從中發現了手機使用者所用的肥皂、乳液、洗髮精與化妝品，吃的食物、飲料、藥物類型，還有所穿的衣料。這項研究使科研人員能為每個手機使用者建立檔案，從中瞭解他們的生活方式。

巴比倫的高官們也試圖要從先知但以理的生活痕跡，找出他的過失或不良的生活習慣。然而，但以理在異國忠心服事將近70年之久，大家都知道他「忠心辦事，毫無錯誤過失」（但以理書6章4節）。事實上，大利烏王提拔這位先知成為三位總長之一，管理全國的總督（1-2節）。其他的高官也許是出於嫉妒，想要從但以理的生活痕跡中，找出他涉及貪腐的蛛絲馬跡，以便除掉他。不過，但以理依舊保持正直，繼續服事，並「與素常一樣」向上帝禱告（10節）。直到最後，他依然因為敬畏上帝而事事亨通（28節）。

我們的生活會留下明顯的痕跡，讓人知道我們是誰，以及我們代表誰。雖然我們會有掙扎也不完美，然而當周遭的人檢測你我的生活時，願他們能發現你我在耶穌的帶領之下，所留下的正直和對主忠心的明顯痕跡。

Scientists from a California university ran experimental molecular swab tests to identify the traits and lifestyle habits of individual cell phone users. They discovered, among other things, the soaps, lotions, shampoos, and make-up that cell phone users used; the type of foods, drinks, and medications they consumed; and the type of clothing they wore. The study allowed the researchers to create a profile of each person’s lifestyle.

The administrators in Babylon, figuratively “swabbed” the prophet Daniel’s life to try and find any negative traits or lifestyle habits. But he’d served the empire faithfully for nearly seventy years—known to be “trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent” (Daniel 6:4). In fact, the prophet was promoted by King Darius as one of “three administrators over” his many governors (vv. 1-2). Perhaps out of jealousy, the other officials were looking for traces of corruption in Daniel so they might be able to get rid of him. He kept his integrity intact, however, and continued to serve and pray to God “as he had done before” (v. 10). In the end, the prophet prospered in his role (v. 28).

Our lives leave visible traces that point to who we are and whom we represent. Although we struggle and aren’t perfect, when people around us “swab” our lives, may they find visible traces of integrity and devotion to Jesus as He guides us.