Daniel 1:8
“But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wind which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.”
Obedience takes determination, respect, and faith. Daniel and his friends were only “young men” when they determined to oppose the orders of the king of Babylon. Such determination can only come from a respect for their God. Although the king had commanded them to obey his rules, Daniel and his friends knew that the King of Kings had commanded them to nourish their bodies in a different manner. Their respect for God’s commandments allowed them to stand fast against a mighty king that had the power to put them to death for their defiance.
Daniel’s obedience to the true King ultimately brought glory to God’s name. This is true of our obedience as well. While you and I may not be forced to make a life or death decision before a foreign king, we are continually given opportunities to obey the commands of our mighty God or to conform to the influence of a lost world. Each decision you make either brings glory to the name of your Lord or defames him in front of family, friends, and strangers.
In what ways have you been disobedient to the Lord so as to defame his name? Do you not respect your Creator more than the influences of a sinful world? How will you correct this cycle of disobedience? Determine now, just as Daniel, that you will not defile the name of your God. In doing so, not only will God be glorified amongst those who do not know Him, but your obedience will be blessed by the Lord.