I do not mean deciding to be Christians – but decision for Christ in our every-day life, real downright, out-and-out honesty for God, everywhere and always. Do you know, I have begun to fear, that a number of Christ’s young disciples – and it may be old ones too – go back in soul, and become backsliders, from sheer dishonesty, in what may be called little things. To escape persecution, or being teased by those around them, they fall in with the world’s way of doing things, and on they go from bad to worse until the difference between them and the unconverted becomes almost imperceptible. When we open the Book of God we see that this is not what God expects from His people at all. He says,
Look at that youth away off in the palace of Egypt! He has a splendid chance of becoming a great man among the Egyptians, if he will only hide his parentage and deny that he is a Hebrew, allowing himself to be called “the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” But no, Moses will not be a coward: he will not for fear of the “reproach of Christ,” settle down among the Egyptians. He looks forward to the end, and his eye catches sight of the “recompense of reward.” From that moment his choice was made. He cast in his lot with the people of God, and the day came, when Egypt trembled at his word.
Look again at these four royal youths in the court of Babylon. They are taken into royal favor, and are destined to become “wise men” in Babylon. They are set to study Chaldean language and literature; they find no fault with that; God has not forbidden it. But here comes Melzar with a flagon of wine, and desires them to drink. Daniel steps forward, and courteously, yet firmly declines the cup. Why? Because God had forbidden it. This was enough for Daniel.
“He purposed in his heart, that he would not defile himself” (Dan. 1:88But 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)). Was he a loser by his decision? Nay verily: God will be no man’s debtor. He, with his companions, were made rulers of the kingdom. Faithful and beloved young witnesses of God, how we revere their memory!
But some of you may be thinking,
“O yes, and if I were placed in such circumstances, I would act as they did, but no such test is ever applied to me!”
Perhaps not, and well for most of us that it is so, for I have grave doubt if many Daniels would now be found.
But the principle holds good in smaller matters. What about separation to God down in the office? How about – “Dare to be a Daniel,” when all the rest are going to a concert? What about “shining as a light” in the midst of a crooked lot of dishonest fellow-workers, who do not hesitate to pilfer their master’s goods or fritter away his time when his back is turned? Do you “dare to be a Daniel” then? Ah! here the shoe pinches: I am sure of it.
Then there is another form of trial common to some, wherein their decision is tested. Your earthly master – with whom perhaps, like Naaman, some are “great men” – bids you do some bit of work, which for a believer would be wrong, how would you do then? There is a possibility of “losing favor” by mentioning the dishonesty of the thing.
Ah! yes, dear saints, but there is a grand opportunity for finding favor with God at such a time. At all costs take sides with God, and you will never regret it. May the God of glory bless you.
“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the Word of Life.” Philippians 2:15, 1615That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. (Philippians 2:15‑16)