let us be purposed

Compromise...
to make a concession,
to come up short,
to be just shy of honest,
to give just a little less than all.

Everyone does it.
And it's not often noticed.
​If no one get's hurt,
and it gets you out of a jam...
maybe it's justified.

But Daniel purposed in his heart
that he would not defile himself
with the portion of the king’s delicacies...
Daniel 1:8 NKJV

So why didn't Daniel compromise?
He and his three buddies
were taken into captivity.
by the king of Babylon.

They were estimated to be
around fifteen years old...
young men in whom
there was no blemish,
but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom,
possessing knowledge and
quick to understand, who had ability
to serve in the king’s palace, and
whom they might teach the
language and literature
of the Chaldeans.
Daniel 1:4

Captors like these would wisely cater to
great comforts of these young men
in order to raise up leaders who could
influence, and help govern their own people;
Yet the goal was to have them
detached enough from former culture
with new names, and
higher standards of living,
that they would remain loyal
to the new king's philosophy.

But Daniel was a different sort.
While his intelligence would
often group him among these idealists,
his heart separated him frm the pack.

The way Daniel saw it,
to purpose in his heart...
was to set his mind, his will, his way
no matter the circumstance,
no matter the pressure,
no matter the cost.

For he chose to not defile himself
regarding the delicate foods of the king.
And that had a great deal more to do
with worship to false gods
than what he "liked" to eat.

For during this time in history
idolatry was rampant.
And at most every meal,
food was offered up to beg favor from
whatever gods they most needed help.
Then feasted upon.it.

These people were poly-theists,
trying to please many gods
Each one representing different powers...
fertility, wealth, protection, abundance,
and the list goes on.

Daniel was keenly aware of this
in the culture of Babylon.
Because he had grown up in Judah
where prophets proclaimed
this coming captivity
for any and all, because many
of his people no longer feared God.

And Daniel believed so strongly
in his worship of Yahweh,
the one true God of Israel,
that he refused to deny Him.
Daniel was dedicated in his faith
to put God first...
above all else.

And that required he consider
all choices, large and small...
Even the food he ate.
He did not want to defile himself
or compromise his loyalty to God
by eating any food that had been
offered up to an idol.

According to the Law of Moses,
it was considered unclean.
It was a sin to eat of it.

So he stuck with vegetables and water.
These were not items offered to the gods.
And the servant of the king
who brought meals to these young men
was the only one who knew what they ate.
So Daniel made a deal with him.

And since God knew Daniel's heart
the deal to eat this vegan diet went well...
Now God had brought Daniel
into the favor and goodwill
of the chief of the eunuchs.
Daniel 1:9

No doubt because of this faithfulness
and dedicated heart.
No doubt because
he did not compromise

And since Daniel was a leader to his friends,
it was much easier for these three
to stay purposed also.
For there is strength in unity.

As for these four young men,
God gave them knowledge and skill
in all literature and wisdom;
and Daniel had understanding
in all visions and dreams.
Daniel 1:17

And God blessed them
for their faithfulness.
He increased their capacity to learn.
Even on this limited diet.

All good and perfect things
are from above!
Even our persistence to study,
the wisdom we attain during it,
our knowledge and thoughts.

Why do we as humans believe
we are so smart on our own...
it's ALL from God!

And the dominos continued to fall
in Daniel's favor...
And in all matters of wisdom
and understanding
about which the king examined them,
he found them ten times better
than all the magicians and astrologers
​who were in all his realm.
Daniel 1:20

Ten times better than all others!
Favor and more favor.
And a long career of employment
in the king's palace.

All of which began
because Daniel was not willing
to compromise.
Even about that which he ate.

Now I'm not trying to change anyone's diet.
I'm not vegan, nor promoting such.
Even though it is a healthy alternative.

However, I am promoting
a life that is steadfast to God.
One in which we purpose our hearts to Him.

As we decide beforehand...
not to compromise.
Let us set our mind, our will, our way
on being honest and giving our all
no matter the circumstance,
no matter the pressure,
no matter the cost.

Because any compromise...
even a little bit less than
our best unto God,
is not a heart purposed,
is not true worship
​is not faith in Him alone.

And as our reward,
God will grant us favor
like we have never seen before!
​
Word of God
train me, today...
To purpose my heart, first to You.
To not defile myself before You
​by compromising to this world's ways.