Determined
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. Daniel 1:8
Daniel had a distinguishing difference because he determined in his heart to do the right thing. Your determination to do the right thing will be your distinguishing difference. It will direct your present situation and it will determine your future outcome. Daniel didn’t do what everyone else was doing- he did what was right! If there was ever a time that we needed people to stand up and be a difference maker- it is now! If there was ever a time when we need people to not follow the patterns of what everyone else is doing- it is now! If there is ever a time when we needed people who will do what it right- it is now!
In the book of James it tells us: “To him that knows to do good and doesn’t do it, to him it is sin.” Daniel knew what was right and he did it! He prayed and he believed God and he trusted God even when things were difficult and uncertain. And, what a difference it made for him and for everyone else concerned. He didn’t concede, he didn’t compromise, he didn’t use justification or reasoning and he didn’t compare, although there was a noticeable difference and there were many comparisons that were being drawn between him and the others who didn’t do what was right in regard to honoring God.
There should a distinguishing difference in those who serve the Lord and do the right thing while trusting God for the outcome.
- Daniel looked better than those who were eating delicacies.
- Daniel came out of the lions den alive- not dead.
- Daniel honored God and was given a position of honor.
Daniel Decided: *(everything begins with a decision)
1. Daniel decided to serve God although it wasn’t easy.
2. Daniel to pray although it took effort.
3. Daniel decided to “Not” do what everyone else was doing.
4. Daniel decided to trust God in difficult times when it didn’t make sense.
5. Daniel decided to do the right thing although it wasn’t popular.
*Daniel was thrown into the lions den by the hands of men, but he was delivered out of the lions den by the hand of God! The end result was good and the end result was God! And, the end result was- God delivered Daniel out of the lions den and the king said, “We will now serve the God of Daniel.”
There is no substitute for doing the right thing!
May our lives be different- so that we will make a difference.
3 Things to Consider When Developing Your Potential by Doing the Right Thing:
1. Consider the outcome for your course of action?
2. Ask yourself: Could the decision I’m making jeopardize my character or hinder my witness for the Lord?
3. Ask yourself: Is there a better option and would that option have a better outcome for me and a greater impact for the Kingdom of God?
Rebellious hearts receive satisfaction from their ways; the good receive the due reward for their deeds. The naive believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps. The wise are careful and avoid evil, but fools become excited and overconfident. Short tempered people make stupid mistakes, and schemers are hated. Stupidity is the lot of the naive, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. –Proverbs 14:14-18
