DAILY DEVOTIONAL FROM PASTOR WESLEY August 11, 2022
The Influence of Our Convictions
Like Daniel, we can steadfastly follow God by clinging to His truth. Now among them from the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. Then the commander of the officials assigned new names to them; to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar, to Hananiah - Shadrach, to Mishael Meshach and to Azariah Abed-nego. But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank; so, he sought permission from the commander that he might not defile himself. Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials, and he said to Daniel, ``I am afraid of my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink; for why should he see your faces looking more haggard than the youths who are your own age? Then you would make me forfeit my head to the king." But Daniel said to the overseer, ``Please test your servants for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to drink. ``Then let our appearance be observed; and deal with your servants according to what you see." So, he listened to them and tested them for ten days; their appearance seemed better and they were fatter than all the youths who had been eating the king's choice food. So, the overseer continued to withhold and kept giving them vegetables. As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams. Then at the end of the days which the king had specified for presenting them, the commander presented them before Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. So, they entered the king's personal service. He found them ten times better than all the magicians and conjurers who were in all his realm. And Daniel continued until the first year of Cyrus the king. Daniel 1:1-21
Although our circles of influence vary in size, we all have the power to affect others—either for good or for bad. Whether at home, in the church, or in the world, our lives are on display. Many times, we aren’t even aware of who is impacted by our words, attitudes, and actions.
Daniel’s convictions, not his environment, determined his behavior. He believed in the absolute truth of the Scriptures and was determined not to defile himself in a pagan culture. His firm stance influenced everyone who came in contact with him—from lowly servants to kings of empires.
Our world offers a multitude of ways to compromise on what we know is right, but if we’ll make up our minds ahead of time, we too can stand firm in our obedience to God. Although unbelievers may mock our values and lifestyle, their respect for us actually diminishes and our witness for Christ is damaged if we waver.
Conviction about God’s truth is like an anchor. When the winds of opinion blow and the waves of temptation pound us, we can know with certainty the right way to respond. Your firm stand for what’s right can powerfully influence others.
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