Resolving to do Right

Daniel and his companions committed themselves to living a godly life. Right after they arrived in Babylon they were presented with a dilemma. The food they were served didn’t line up with the foods God said was okay to eat, and had been dedicated to the false gods of the land.

So instead of just going along with it they committed themselves to living in accordance with God’s word. They refused to compromise their belief for the sake of convenience.

“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.” (Daniel 1:8)

To eat this food would defile them in the sight of God. So they asked the chief official if they could just eat those foods that weren’t so blessed and that didn’t violate God’s law. So instead of bacon they ate broccoli.

For ten days they would eat only veggies and only drink water.

They passed with flying colors. Not only did they appear healthier, but also God gave them great wisdom and understanding.

We need to be careful, however, of thinking this only has to do with what they ate. It had nothing to do with what they ate, but rather it had everything to do with a commitment on their part not to get sucked up into a lifestyle that went directly against God’s word.

They resolved not to defile themselves. They committed themselves before God and man to live a godly life in the midst of a godless society. They honored God, and when we honor God, God will honor us. The Lord said it this way

“I will honor only those who honor me, and I will despise those who despise me.” (1 Samuel 2:30)

And so to bring Christ into our crisis we need to honor Him. We need to live a godly life in the mist of a godless and wicked society.