Working with Eternity in MindSample

How best can we ensure that we put God first in our lives as Daniel did? 

Daniel 1:8 serves as a key verse in this chapter: ‘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 set a clear boundary of the one thing that he could still control—his food consumption. As tempting as it may have been otherwise, he resolved to continue to act in accordance with his God-honouring conviction. 

At the same time, we see that Daniel was reasonable. Not only did he politely ask permission, he also acknowledged the official’s duty and set a fair test to help the official determine the final verdict that was to be made on the matter. The way in which we deal with situations often affects whether those who disagree with us will listen to our reasoning.

Finally, Daniel continually trusted in God. It is clear that Daniel was aware that God was already at work through the official demonstrating compassion toward him and he remained aware throughout the situation that God was helping him. The Lord aided Daniel and his friends in a special way as we read in Daniel 1:17: ‘To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning.’

The secret of living faithfully for God lies in the way that we think. Daniel was decisive, modest, and expectant that God would always remain faithful to him.