Dare to be Different

We live in a time when the popular culture is so against everything we believe and stand for. How can we live a Godly life when the pressure of the culture asks us to conform? We have an example in Daniel who lived a Godly life in a secular culture. As a young man, Daniel was uprooted from his Jewish home and sent to Bablyon in the service of the Babylonian king. Even in a secular hostile culture, Daniel lived a Godly life and the principles he lived by can still be applied by us today!

In the king's palace Daniel decided not to partake the king's food and wine because it was not kosher and also maybe it was sacrified to the idols. Daniel resolved in his heart to not dilute his principles and the standard that God expected even though he was in a secular culture.
Daniel 1:8
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.
The official guards decided to let Daniel and his four friends to eat only vegetables for 10 days for a test and miraculously they were heathier and nourished than the rest of the young men!
Daniel 1:15-16
At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.

We see that God honored their resolve and provided a way for them to practice their faith even in a secular culture! In addition, to that God decided to honor their obedience and blessed them with wisdom and knowledge! Godly obedience always leads to distinction far above what the world can offer!
Daniel 1:17-20
To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.

How are you living in the midst of the secular culture around you? Are you compromising your faith and belief because it is too hard or are you taking a stand for Him? Remember, it is worth resolving in your heart to follow Him though the way is narrow and is against the popular stream. Dare to be different! Dare to be a Daniel! And God will surely bless your obedience and lift you up! Don't settle for the lowly worldy standards when the highest Godly distinction awaits you!