Spirited Initiative

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

Take a moment and read Daniel 1:1-14. I’ll wait.

Everyone has a circle of influence, some larger than others. Still, we have the power to impact others for better or worse. Whether it’s at home, in the church, on your job, or in the classroom, your life is on display for all to see. And even when you may not be aware of it, others are impacted by your words, attitudes and actions.

You just read about Daniel and his friends who were exiled to a far away country with a different culture. His influence reached a lot of people, from lowly servants to the king himself—and, eventually, other nations. What is so dramatic about this story is that he did it without compromising his convictions. He had confidence in the absolute truth of Scripture and he stuck with it.

It was his convictions, not his environment that determined his behavior. Like Daniel, we need the gumption to make up our minds ahead of time that we will stand firm—obedient to God’s word. Did I just say “gumption”? In case you’re wondering, it means, spirited initiative. 

Holding tenaciously to God’s truth is an anchor to the soul. It keeps us from being tossed about by every wind of opinion and wave of temptation. Remember, your unwavering stand for the truth of Scripture can powerfully influence others—just like Daniel!

But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. Daniel 3:8