It Starts Small

For the last 16 days we have looked at the differences between heavenly wisdom and corrupted wisdom.

As Christ followers, i do not believe any of us would argue that we live in a world of compromise. The world sees compromise as a virtue. It is diplomatic and reasonable. As opposed, those who hold fast to their godly integrity are seen as difficult, hardnosed, and unconcerned about the common good.

We can understand how the world thinks that way, but shouldn’t Christ followers be different?

Unfortunately, too many Christ followers worry about what people will think, say, or do if they take a stand on godly principles. As a result, they compromise their convictions or maintain them under the cover of darkness. We could all learn from a man who had a backbone of integrity. Daniel teaches us the attributes of godliness.

The Test of Integrity

King Nebuchadnezzar, during his first invasion of Judah and the siege of Jerusalem (606 B.C.) too hostage dozens of Jewish youth. It is thought that they were probably teenagers. His plan was to help ensure the success of his long0ranged plans for world dominance. On of these youth was destined for greatness and his name is synonymous with integrity and and uncompromising spirit.

When we read the story of Daniel, it was not captivity that tested Daniel’s integrity. No it was privileged granted to these captive youth. The chief official, Ashpenaz was tasked with choosing specific youth, he was looking for certain qualities.

⁴ young men without any physical defect, good-looking, suitable for instruction in all wisdom, knowledgeable, perceptive, and capable of serving in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the Chaldean language and literature. 

Daniel 1:4

These youth were to receive privileged instruction for privileged positions. The king ordered these youth be taught. They were also to eat the king’s food and drink the king’s wine. After three years they were guaranteed a position in the king’s personal service. Imagine the rest of the Israelites…they were not afforded such privilege.

Daniel did not argue with the education, training program or a future in the king’s court. He did not even speak against his new name, Belteshazzar, that Ashpenaz gave him. Where did Daniel draw the line? He refused to eat the king’s meat and drink his wine.

⁸ Daniel determined that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or with the wine he drank. So he asked permission from the chief eunuch not to defile himself.

Daniel 1:8

The greatest perk to being a slave in the king’s court was being afforded the opportunity to eat and drink. Imagine the rest of those carried off. They were probably lucky to get scraps and bread crumbs. Here, Daniel was well taken care of. He could have as much food as he desired. SO why was it about food and drink?

Daniel knew they had been ritually dedicated to Babylon’s false gods. It is also thought the type of foods the Babylonians consumed was in direct violation of God’s Law concerning unclean foods.  (See Leviticus 7:23-27; Leviticus 11).

Daniel wanted no part in any pagan feast. No matter how hungry or thirsty he was, he refused to have anything to do with it. Had he partaken of it, it would have been a form of idolatry. We know that when we worship and put false idols above God he is a very jealous God! (See exodus 20:4-5) His decision was about who he worshipped.

Daniel’s decision displays a part of genuine integrity and an uncompromising life: YOU MUST DRAW LINES WHERE SCRIPTURE DRAWS THEM!

If the truth of God’s Word opposes the world’s wisdom on a certain issue, you must align yourself with God’s Word. AS we read the life of Daniel, his personal integrity stands in sharp contrast to the way many Christ followers live out their convictions. Many waver and offer ambiguous explanations from not participating from worldly activities. This is NOT how Daniel approach his convictions.

We can learn a lot from Daniel and be encouraged!

Unashamed Boldness

Daniel could have gone about the food and drink issue in different ways. He could have thrown the food out when no one was looking. He could have sneaked food from the kitchen. He could have made special arrangements with the “chefs.” He did not consult with the other youth. Daniel, instead, made up his mind and chose a route of boldness. He sought permission from the commander that he might not defile himself.

He was respectful, but unbending. That’s called courage.

Unearthly Protection

Daniel was whisked away to a foreign country. He lived in the king’s palace in the heart of the empire that destroyed his homeland, no doubt killed those who resisted, and enslaved many. Yet God did something about it.

 ⁹ God had granted Daniel kindness and compassion from the chief eunuch, 

Daniel 1:9

God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials. God proved to Daniel and us, that he will make our enemies have peace with us.

When a person’s ways please the Lord,
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Proverbs 16:7

Don’t compromise and forfeit God’s protection.

Stand firm in obedience to God’s Word and trust Him—He’ll take care of you.

Unhindered Persistence

Daniel did not waiver. He was not a coward. He went straight to the top of the food chain. It is interesting that Ashpenaz feared his own death for granting Daniel a special menu, but Daniel was undeterred. He then appealed to the lower ranking overseer.

Daniel showed another vital trait of integrity: persistence in doing what is right.

Unblemished Faith

Daniel displays unwavering faith when he sought permission to go on a water and vegetable diet, he demonstrated unwavering faith in God.

¹² “Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. ¹³ Then examine our appearance and the appearance of the young men who are eating the king’s food, and deal with your servants based on what you see.”

Daniel 1:12-13

Daniel did what was right, and trusted God for the results, no matter what. God promises that when we chose righteousness and obedience, he will protect us. We come out better than had we just fallen into doing wrong.

¹⁵ At the end of ten days they looked better and healthier^[f] than all the young men who were eating the king’s food.

Daniel 1:15

I believe that even if it had turned out that Daniel’s appearance failed the overseer’s scrutiny, he would have trusted God without wavering, maintained an uncompromising lifestyle, and humbly accepted the consequences.

When we pursue godliness we need to allow God’s Word to draw the line in the sand. Not our personal preferences, desires, motives, or wants. We can not compromise God’s Heavenly Wisdom for the world’s corrupted wisdom. Look at Daniel as an example of unwavering integrity. Then seek the Lord’s help to live like he did. You must resolutely set your heart as Daniel did to fear the Lord, and the Lord alone. Borrow a little backbone from him, and you’ll live your life with integrity before God.

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