Making Godly Choices

Daniel 1 Choosing God’s Way

Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the King’s food. Choices begin in the heart, which Jeremiah tells us is “deceitful and desperately wicked,” [Jer 17:9] So how did Daniel become so wise, cunning, and perceptive to make the right decision? Like him, we must choose to align our hearts with God’s. Daniel saw a need for a renewed heart as a Temple student, and God heard and responded. King David also went through this exercise: “Create in me a pure heart, O God. Renew a resolute spirit within me.” [Ps 51:10] Therefore, when faced with a decision to obey the King or God, Daniel knew the right decision was to choose God’s way. Daniel found favor not to eat the King’s food when God touched the heart of Ashpenaz, the head eunuch. We can learn much from this straightforward exercise. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” [Rom 8:31] Also, “The fear of man is a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted.” [Prov 29:25]

Today we are being challenged to fear men more than God, and we can take a page out of Daniel’s diary to learn how to appeal and see God bless us for choosing His way. What choices are you facing today? Will you choose God’s way or man’s way?