Daniel chapter 1" 1:1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia and put in the treasure house of his god. Daniel 1:1-2 NIV "
Daniel was a God fearing man. The Bible records nothing negative about him. He lived a life totally dedicated to God.
Yet when the land of Judah fell into the hands of the king of Babylon because of the sin of the people Daniel was also taken captive.
We are all affected by the sins of our Nations. We walk and live within the shadow of the sin and corruption around us. When judgment hits a nation because of sin even the godly people in the land are affected. Yet God always makes a way of escape.
Daniel is a prime example. Daniel was taken captive because of the sins of his nation. However he did not allow his captivity to affect his walk with God. Daniel purposed in his heart not to become part of the system around him. Read Daniel 1: 8-9.
Something's are lawful but not beneficial. There was nothing wrong with eating the Kings food and living the good life. Nevertheless Daniel refused to partake in the king's food so as to maintain his close walk with God.
In today's society many Christians have been taken captive by the life style around them. They spend most of their free timing watching television, eating, going out for a great time and sleeping. There is nothing wrong with these things. But are they beneficial to us? Are we compromising our walk with God for the sake of temporary enjoyment?
Discipline is the only way to survive captivity. Living the world's way will make you spiritually sick. The very tide of the worldly living will takes you far away from God.
Many things are lawful but not beneficial.
We all need to restrict ourselves from doing things that affect our walk with God. Judge yourself now so that God himself will not judge you. We are not talking about sin here but carefree living.
Daniel's commitment to God eventually saved his life. Read Daniel chapter 2. When no one else could interpret the King's dream he could. His faithfulness to God had paid of.
God will keep those who are committed to him. They are valuable vessels to the Lord who He can rely on to see His Kingdom come on the earth. These are those who are in the world but not of the world.
Will you purpose in your heart to serve Him faithfully?
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