The dare to be different
25 Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.
1 Corinthians 9:25Bible Reading
Daniel 1:8-16
8 But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine. So he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself. 9 Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official, 10 but he said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking thinner than those of the other young men your age? You would endanger my head before the king!” 11 Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given only vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then compare our appearances with those of the young men who are eating the royal food, and deal with your servants according to what you see.” 14 So he consented to this and tested them for ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days, they looked healthier and better nourished than all the young men who were eating the king’s food. 16 So the steward continued to withhold their choice food and the wine they were to drink, and he gave them vegetables instead.
It takes courage to stand out. It takes courage to walk into the cafeteria, look at the steak and wine everyone else is enjoying, and say, "I will take the vegetables and water, please." Daniel did this not because he was on a diet, but because he was on a mission. He made up his mind. That decision is the anchor. It means he decided before the temptation arrived. Many students fail because they have not decided ahead of time what they will do. They wait until the party starts to decide if they will go. They wait until the test is in front of them to decide if they will cheat. Daniel decided in his heart before he ever got to the table. This is a secret of academic excellence. Decide now. Decide now that you will pursue excellence. Decide now that you will not compromise. And here is the beautiful part: when Daniel took the step of faith, God met him. The vegetables became enough. The water became a fountain of vitality. When you dare to be different for God, He adds His strength to your obedience. Your study session can become a moment of revelation. Your limited time can become enough. God honors those who honor Him. Dare to be the one who says no to the world and yes to excellence.
Action Point
Identify one area where you are going with the flow of the world. Is it your language? Your entertainment? Your work ethic? Purpose in your heart today to change it. Write down your Daniel resolution and keep it for 10 days.
Prayer Point
Father, I purpose in my heart today to honor You with my mind and my body. Give me courage to be different. When others compromise, help me to stand firm. Bless my vegetables and water. Bless my humble efforts and make them fruitful. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Reflection Point
Am I a thermometer that reflects the temperature of my environment, or a thermostat that sets it? Do I have the courage to set the standard for my peer group?