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A HEART OF PURPOSE (IV)
SATURDAY, JUNE 5
Daniel 1:8-16

Colossians 4:5-6

 

“…therefore he requested

…that he might not defile himself.”

 

A HEART OF PURPOSE (IV)
 
It is instructive for us to consider how this purpose of Daniel’s heart worked itself out in practical terms. After all, such a settled conviction cannot remain in the heart, but must be expressed in our actions, choices, and decisions.
 
In the first place, Daniel was not afraid to express his convictions. He could conceivably have abstained from the king’s meat in secret: perhaps only pretending to eat, trying to smuggle in food from elsewhere. Instead, he openly approached the “prince of the eunuchs” (Dan 1:8). He was not rude or obnoxious but calm and reasonable. He “requested,” rather than demanded. Then again, he explained the situation to the prince of the eunuchs and did not try to make up excuses. It is implied here that Daniel made sure the prince of the eunuchs understood why he would “defile himself ” (v 8) if he ate the king’s meat.
 
Second, Daniel was not quick to abandon his convictions, but persevered in them. The prince of the eunuchs was initially reluctant to accede to Daniel’s request. “I fear my lord the king… 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” (v 10). But Daniel did not give up; nor did he try to insist or press his case forcefully. Instead, he proposed a test of sorts, very specifically designed so that Melzar’s fears might be allayed (vv 11-13). This was done by faith probably in response to revelation from God given the specificity of Daniel’s proposal.
 
Dear reader, it is not enough for us to have right convictions. A heart of purpose must know how to express its convictions in the world! We must learn not to be silent regarding our convictions, for then what sort of witness can we be? At the same time, we must learn when and how to speak, lest we only cause needless strife. “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Col 4:5-6).
 
THOUGHT: Right convictions must be paired with wise actions.

PRAYER: Father, help me to “walk in wisdom”!

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