Compromise often begins with something we can explain away. We tell ourselves it isn’t a big deal, or that making an exception this once won’t hurt anything. Over time, things that used to trouble us can begin to seem normal. Daniel’s story helps us recognize how much those decisions matter.
Babylon offered these young men an education and a future in the king’s service. Daniel learned the language and served there, but he knew that some things would violate his commitment to God. When it came to the king’s food, he resolved that he wouldn’t eat it. We also need to think through our commitments before we’re under pressure to set them aside.
The way Daniel handled the situation matters too. He asked respectfully and suggested a test that took the official’s concerns seriously. He stood by his decision without treating the official as an enemy. We need that example when following Jesus puts us at odds with someone else.
God cared for Daniel in Babylon, even when so much of his life was beyond his control. That doesn’t mean things will always turn out as we’d hoped when we obey God. We can trust him with what happens next, even when we don’t know what faithfulness will cost us.
0 Comments