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.
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January 2019
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