Daniel 1:8 is one of the powerful verses in this book. This verse gives us a glimpse into the heart of the young man named Daniel, a heart convinced that God would at all times and in any location honor those who chose to live righteously. This verse states, "But Daniel purposed in his mind that he would not defile himself...." This commitment on Daniel's part was not a spur-of-the-moment decision or a popularity decision. Daniel was clearly in the minority, seeing the reaction of the king's court (10). Daniel had made up his mind that even in a foreign land, with no one watching his back, and in an environment to live however he chose, he would still live his life pursuing God's heart. This decision came out of a heart already firmly committed long before he was brought into this pagan land. He had the freedom to live as he chose, but deep inside his heart he knew that even in Babylon he would represent the God of his people in this distant land. The God of the Bible does not water down His standards when it comes to righteous living, even if man's outward circumstances change.
It is no different for you and I today. Paul instructs all Christians in 1 Corinthians 8 & 9 that even though we have freedom to chose how we are going to live, and what habits we are going to continue or stop, our freedom is depended on what God's Word says about a matter and how our fellow man will be helped or hindered by those actions. Is the food we are eating, the places we are going, the clothes we are wearing, showing our love for God and our neighbor, or are they being used to make our own lives more comfortable and pleasurable? Even as Christians, we have a responsibility to make inward choices from the heart that will guide our decision making in the future. There are many who are watching our lives. And the only life that truly pleases God is a life that chooses to walk after God's righteous standard. Any other standard will weaken our testimony. If you purpose to walk closely with Christ and live by His standards, I can guarantee you will have a less stressed life. Until next time, keep seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness.
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