Scripture
Daniel 1:8 – But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chiefs of eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.
Devotion
Even though Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon was the highest authority in Daniel’s life by earthly standards, Daniel recognised the need to stay faithful to God – his ultimate authority – in every circumstance.
Another example of faithfulness to God is Joshua 24:14-15: “Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. PUT AWAY the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, CHOOSE this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
It is clear from this passage that being faithful to God is not just about serving Him, but it is also about giving up the idolatry of other gods or strongholds in our lives. Joshua reminds us that this is a CHOICE that we must make.
Dear friend, we are to serve God exclusively.
It is both feet in or none at all.
It is just like what Jesus says in Luke 9:23-27, “And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?”
Dear friend, this passage poses both a challenge and a warning to us. We are to die to self daily and if we do not do so, we will lose ourselves in pursuit of the world.
At the same time, there is a wonderful promise as a result of following Jesus! That promise is that our lives may be saved in the process.
So, a question we must ask ourselves is, ‘Who is more important to us? Our lives and our fulfillment, or following Jesus and His will?
As we point back to Daniel, we see that he recognised the value of honouring God even down to what he ate and drank. He made a point to be faithful to God even in this matter.
Even Paul highlights this faithfulness that comes in the details of our lives in 1 Corinthians 10:31: ‘So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.’
Dear friend, I empathize that being fully submerged in anything requires sacrifice. Faithfulness to God requires dying to self, learning to wash the feet of others (including your enemies), and not conforming to the world. It can feel daunting sometimes, but I want to encourage you that we serve a God who is bigger than our challenges, bigger than our fears, and bigger than anything the enemy throws at us.
Jesus reminds us in John 16:33, ‘“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”’
My friend, following God faithfully above all else is truly worth it.
Josh Yeoh – Reward
Reflection Questions
In what ways can we be faithful to God?
- Recognising and submitting to His authority
- Giving up idolatry of other gods
- Taking up our crosses
- OTHER
Prayer
Dear LORD,
Today I choose to surrender. There are many gods out there but I want to follow you. Even though it means I have to die to self and take up my cross daily, please give me the strength to do so. Please teach me to run with endurance, that whatever I eat or drink be for Your glory and not mine.
Turn my eyes to see You, higher and bigger than anything else in this world, that I behold and faithful to You all the days of my life.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Prayer Pointers
Pray for the body of Christ to be continually faithful to God.
