Avoid Compromise

Devotional Reading: But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. Daniel 1:8 ESV

The story of Daniel intrigues me a lot. Daniel was still a teenager when Babylon invaded Judah and took its residents into exile. He had to make an important decision. He had to undergo training for an important and promising position in Babylon. He would be part of an elite group tasked with serving the king. He received various facilities and special treatment.

It turned out that Daniel had to compromise his relationship with God to get all of those. He had to break the law of God that was taught to him since childhood. Would he follow the existing system, or would he take the risk of following God’s way no matter what? The text above shows Daniel’s choice and determination.

Daniel realized what was important in life. He made decisions based on his beliefs. He chose to suppress his desire for position and honor and ensured that he remained in the right relationship with God. He realized that in the end, when his life was over, what mattered most was not what his friends, those around him, or even the king thought. Their judgment would mean nothing to him. He knew that what matters most was what his Creator thought about him. Daniel always wanted to please the Creator. That was what he consistently did throughout his life — which is recorded in the Bible.

In this world, each of us will also always face the same choice, whether to please humans or pleasing the Lord. We face choices that are not easy whether in the family, school, marketplace, community and church. Sometimes we even prefer to please people out of prestige, friendship or necessity. Whatever it is, let us learn from Daniel and make decisions that are not based on temporary interests that soon wither, but based on the perspective of the eternal Father.

Prayer and Confession
I make right decisions as led by the Spirit, I don’t compromise my stand with God, I choose to honour Him with my decisions. Amen!

Further Reading: 1Kings 18:21, Daniel 1:1-20