Ministering: Emmanuel Joseph.
Text: Daniel 1:8-15.
” 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. 11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.“ KJV
Our above text relates to how Daniel and his contemporaries had the courage to make a difference in a foreign land as they resisted the temptation to defy themselves with the culture of the land. Ps. 139 says we are wonderfully and fearfully made. As christians, we are wired differently by God so as to be the light in the world. Daniel is a template for us to emulate as ambassadors of God’s Kingdom everywhere. Daniel and his friends purposed in their heart not to allow the new environment and its culture pollute their godly values. Though we are in the world, we are not to be conformed to the world but conformed to the image of Christ through the renewing of our minds. To dare to be difference is to dare to take a stand for the Lord.
Another Bible character that dared to be different is Samuel. 1 Sam. 3:19 says; So Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. Joseph in Gen. 39:8-13 also dared to be different as he fled from the temptation to sin against God. Prov. 9:17-18
In what areas do We make a Difference?
- In our communications. Are your words seasoned with Grace? Matt. 5:37
- In our dressing and appearance. You will be addressed by how you dress. Our outfits ought to be moderate and glorify God.
- In our associations and friendships – 2 Cor. 10:12
- By your vision and values. Are your values according to the world or God’s Kingdom?
Parents, please set good examples by how you speak, communication, and the quality of companies you keep. You are the first bible the children are reading.
How do We achieve to make this Difference?
- By a shift in your mindset – be determined, intentional and purposeful
- By setting goals – where there is no vision, the people perish – Prov. 29:18
- Courage is needed because of the expected oppositions. David encouraged himself in the Lord
- A sacrificial lifestyle. Deny yourself the pleasures of the world for the sake of a greater good.
- Be ever prayerful and thankful. This is to secure the backing of God. Mark 9:29
- Follow the good paths – who are your mentors? Who are those you learn from?
The world will accept the same, but will respect what is different. The world is waiting for us as children of God make the difference everywhere because we represent the Kingdom of God.
In closing, Phil. 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
God bless you!
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