In Daniel chapter one, we see Daniel and his friends were in exile in Babylon and trained to be like the Babylonians. Daniel has decided in his heart that no matter what, he will not defile himself or his God. He remained faithful in tough circumstances. Even though he was young, he acted in a mature, respectful manner and his obedience was blessed by God. God usee Daniel and his friends as His representatives in a pagan nation.
Daniel and his friends are living as what Paul would later call a living sacrifice. We, too, can do the same on our faith walk. Romans 12:1Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship.
2 Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.[1]
As we believe and trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes in and begins to change how we think. As we think differently, our actions will begin to change. What is in our heart quickly comes out through our actions. We can sacrifice what we want for ourselves and follow what God wants for us. As we bend our knees to God’s will, we can worship God with our whole lives, not just an hour on Sunday. We can act differently, and others will wonder why. This will give us a chance to point to God as the source of our peace and strength.
This is like what Daniel experienced as we read his story in the book of Daniel in the Bible. To hear more about Daniel and his situation, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/daniel-a-man-of-character/following-the-lord
[1] The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017 by BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC.