Read: Daniel 1:8-21 NLT – But Daniel was determined not to defile – Bible Gateway
“God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams.” Daniel 1:17 NLT
A large number of Christians fall into the trap of compromising their faith in the workplace or around friends and family. This is especially true if largely outnumbered by non-Christians. We justify it by ‘going along to get along.’ No doubt there are obstacles to overcome with the pressures of a secular worldview held by those you encounter daily. I, for one, have felt those pressures during my forty-five-year career in retail. One thing the Lord taught me, He does reward faithfulness, although I must admit, I was not always faithful.
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were faced with their first big test of bowing to peer pressure, and going along to get along, in accepting the king’s daily food and wine not prepared according to the Law of God. These young Hebrew youths knew partaking of the meal was in violation of their God. No doubt, they were taught this by their parents in training them in the Law of God. They hadn’t forgotten, and they were about to be tested.
Daniel was the spokesman for the four of them. He knew the preparation process of the meal was to honor the Babylonian pagan gods. Daniel had discernment to see what this was, a slow process to gradually wean him and his friends from Hebrew culture and their God. Our secular society works the same way today, starting small and working up to full compromise, trying to get us to conform. Daniel didn’t bite but came up with an alternative plan rather than rebelling against the king. He suggested to the steward in charge to feed them vegetables and water for ten days. The steward would test their appearance and health. Whatever he decided Daniel and his friends would agree to.
Daniel had no idea what the outcome would be, but he put his faith God. The Lord rewarded Daniel and his friends in two ways for their faithfulness. First, they appeared healthier and more nourished than those eating the king’s food. Second, the Lord blessed them with an unusual aptitude in literature and wisdom. And Daniel was given the special ability to interpret visions and dreams. The Lord is in the habit of rewarding those who remain faithful to Him. It is better to go along to get along with God than compromise your convictions with the world.
Word for the Soul 