Bible Reading: Daniel 1-2; 1 John 2.
Memory Verse: “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” Daniel 1:8 KJV
Daniel who was a prince in Israel was captured along with his fellow princes and other Israelites by the Babylonians and were made servants in the palace of the king of Babylon. But we note that inspite of the fact that he became a captive, he did not dishonor God. Rather he continued to honour God even when it was difficult, as a captive in a strange land! Daniel 1:8 KJV says “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”
Defiling yourself simply means polluting or making yourself impure. The Lord Jesus Christ told his disciples in Mark 7:20-23 (KJV) “And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. [21] For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, [22] Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: [23] All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”
So, it’s important that we watch what we allow in our heart so as to avoid defilement. When you are focused on honouring God in your life at all times, you will quickly dismiss any ungodly thoughts that come to your heart at any time and only entertain those that will glorify God. It’s important to note that the thoughts that come to your heart do not defile you but those ones that you entertain and allow to fester in your heart.
When you choose to honour God by your actions, God will also honour you. (1 Samuel 2:30). Thus when God saw the intention of David, he made the Prince of Eunuchs to favour him and have tender love for him. So do you want favour, blessing or any good thing , honour God first and he will honour you in return. However the first way of honouring God is by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior.
Prayer point: Father, uproot everything in my life that does not honour you and lead me to please you always in all that I do.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero