Refuse to be defiled

I don't know about you but I have those in my life that will, at times, really test me, to see if I will compromise and do something that I know GOD would not want me to do. They will try various tactics, including questioning my "manhood". You know, like, "Common man, it won't hurt anything and no one will know." Now, I am a grown man, so, those tactics don't work on me. But, it doesn't stop them from trying.

Another thing we have run into, since our children's participation in youth activities, is everyone wants to meet or practice on Wednesdays. We go to church on Wednesday and will not attend these "important" meetings or "special" practices. Others may tell us how much we are missing or how much we are hurting our children but I would say that we will hurt them far more, maybe eternally, by setting the example that extracurricular activities are more important than being in GOD'S house.

Today's word is Daniel 1:8a, NASB, which reads, "But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself..."

The king had ordered that Daniel and the other captives be fed a certain diet that was violated what Daniel and his friends believed. It was good food, the finest. There was nothing inherently wrong with eating the diet prescribed, but, it wasn't what Daniel was supposed to be eating. And, Daniel respectfully refused to eat it. He would not allow the fact that it was really good food, or that no one would ever know, keep him from doing what was right.

We will all face moments in our lives when others are trying to tempt us and test us to do things that are not pleasing to GOD and not edifying for us. I pray that the next time, and every time, this happens that I can be like Daniel and refuse to be defiled.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T