Right Living

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.  Daniel 1:8

…We should resolve to live righteously.

The first principle that we see from Daniel’s life is simple yet profound. He purposes in his heart to live a holy, righteous life. Such a resolution should seem to be self-evident. But, often-times we fail to take this vital step as believers.

Daniel has been forcibly taken to foreign land. His name has been changed and he will now spend his life serving pagan kings in their administrations. Daniel is an older teenager at most and yet he faces a difficult decision.

Daniel is being asked to defile himself with the offered food. More than likely, the food being served did not conform to the standards of the Torah and it probably was not prepared correctly to meet kosher standards. It is at this point that Daniel has a choice to make. Either compromise and eat the food or take a stand for holiness. Daniel chooses to take a stand.

He ask that he and his friends only be served vegetables and water. The steward in charge reluctantly agrees and Daniel and the others fare well and perform brilliantly when tested. Daniel consumes this diet from this point forward and is found worthy to serve at the highest levels of government.

Daniel made a decision to do what is right before he was tempted. We must determine beforehand to live righteously as well. We cannot wait until temptation is upon us and then try to decide. We must begin every day resolving to live righteously before a lost world. We will be tested each day and we must purpose in our heart to fight against the evil that surrounds us and would consume us.

As Believers, the Holy Spirit lives in us and is with us. (1 Corinthians 3:16) We can be holy and we do not have to go it alone. Holy Spirit will empower us to follow God and be obedient. It is not easy all the time, but, we must make a decision to see God work in us and live holy lives. Daniel was able to be used mightily by God because He sought to live a God-fearing life. We can be used in the same way if we will face our temptations head on through the power of Christ.

Being obedient doesn’t always work out well as it did for Daniel in this situation. Even if it doesn’t, you won’t regret living for Christ. Resolve to be holy, righteous, and Christ-like each day. Do it and see what God will do in you and through you!

Tony French