First Things First
ICS Daily Devotions
Daniel 1:8,15 (NKJV) But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself…. And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies.
Today, the 18-35 age group is absent from the church because they have never been taught that worshipping God on Sunday is essential for them. Many parents prioritise sports, music, and extra tutoring over youth group activities and church services. As a result, when they reach university, they do not look for a church, and when they start working, they are busy establishing their careers and prioritise pleasing their bosses over worshipping God. They don’t seek God unless they face a life crisis. It is sad that they have a religious faith but not an intimate relationship with God, and they do not lead a lifestyle of a believer.
There is nothing wrong with achieving success in the marketplace as long as we do it God’s way and acknowledge His blessings. We should set ourselves apart from the world and be successful in God’s way.
It was a search across the country for the best to serve King Nebuchadnezzar. However, after being chosen for such an important role, Daniel rejected the palace lifestyle, contrary to common practice. It is every young person’s dream to be an advisor to the king, and they might be willing to sacrifice anything for it. Nevertheless, Daniel put God first in his decisions. Similarly, we must choose to live for God, viewing our work as a form of worship unto Him before everything, including our job.
Matthew 22:37 (NKJV) Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
Daniel loved God and made Him the top priority in his life. He had made up his mind and purposed in his heart that he would not compromise with what was required of him as a Jew, but worshipped the only true God. It wasn’t easy for Daniel to make his decision because he was subject to the king’s rule in the foreign land. He needed as much favour as possible without compromising with the local culture and values.
There is nothing wrong with adapting to local culture and the values of today unless they contradict the Bible’s teachings. Daniel rejected the delicacies because he abided by the Jewish law that prohibits certain foods, deeming them unclean. He also didn’t want to eat food offered to idols as a stand against idolatry—he was pledging his allegiance to God! Daniel had faith in God to ensure he was nourished adequately, and he honoured God by not defiling himself. Even though Nebuchadnezzar was a tyrant and extremely hard to work with, Daniel was proven faithful to God instead of wanting to please King Nebuchadnezzar.
Sermon Series: Vessel for His Glory
