Staying firm - Against the cultural mainstream (Daniel 1:8)
Dr. Roberto Miranda
(Audio: English, Spanish) ->Alternate
SUMMARY: The speaker discusses the character of Daniel in the Old Testament and how he exemplifies integrity, taking unpopular positions, and taking great risks for the values of the Kingdom of God. The speaker relates Daniel's situation to the current context of living in a society that is against Godly principles, specifically mentioning the legalization of homosexual marriage in Massachusetts. The speaker encourages Christians to take unpopular positions and remain firm in their principles, even if it means sacrificing relationships or careers. The speaker also challenges youth to stand firm in their beliefs and not be persuaded by the culture around them. The speaker emphasizes the importance of making deliberate decisions and weighing the consequences of one's actions.
Daniel made a deliberate decision to honor God and remain pure. He evaluated the consequences of his actions and chose to follow God's will, which he knew from studying the Scriptures. He trusted in God's faithfulness and was willing to take risks to honor Him. Daniel also associated with like-minded believers for support and encouragement. We should follow Daniel's example and determine to live a life of excellence for God.
Daniel made a deliberate decision to honor God and remain pure. He evaluated the consequences of his actions and chose to follow God's will, which he knew from studying the Scriptures. He trusted in God's faithfulness and was willing to take risks to honor Him. Daniel also associated with like-minded believers for support and encouragement. We should follow Daniel's example and determine to live a life of excellence for God.
“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself in this way. Now God, caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel. But the official told Daniel “I am afraid of my lord, my king, who has assign your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worst than the other young men your age? The king would them have my head because of you”.
Then Daniel said to the guard whom the chief official had pointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, “please test your servants for ten days, give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat royal food and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.”
Then Daniel said to the guard whom the chief official had pointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, “please test your servants for ten days, give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat royal food and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.”
