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 this way… Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed 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 the royal food.” . . . At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. Daniel 1:8,12,13,15
God Honors the Odd One Out
When I was three, my family moved overseas. I realized I was in the minority. That’s an uncomfortable feeling.
Have you ever been the odd one out?
Daniel was too. As a young man, he was taken from his home to a distant land with a different culture. The king of that land wanted Daniel and other young Israelite nobles to serve in his palace. So, they were trained in Babylon’s language and literature and commanded to eat from the royal menu.
To Daniel, eating the royal food meant dishonoring God. So Daniel, already an outsider, chose to stand out even more. He respectfully asked to live on vegetables and water, and God honored his choice. After ten days, Daniel and his friends looked healthier than everyone else.
God’s people still face pressure to fit in—to speak, act, and think in ways that don’t honor God. But the Bible says: don’t let the world change you; let God change you.
He changes you through the power and promises of Jesus Christ. Jesus never gave in to the sinful ways of the world around him. Even when faithfulness cost him his life, he gave it freely. He died to forgive your sins and to send you his Spirit, who gives you power, love, and self-control to honor God.
Whatever the world offers you today, don’t just remember Daniel. Remember Jesus, your Savior, who now rules from heaven’s throne, and give God what is his: your praise, honor, trust, and life. That may be hard, but it is worth it. God honors those who honor him, even when no one else is watching.
Prayer:
Lord, give me courage to honor you with faithful choices. When I’m tempted, remind me of the feast you are preparing for me in heaven. Amen.
