Dare to be a Different

Daily Scripture Threshing for Monday, March 24, 2025

Today's Text: Daniel 1:8-21

Key Verse: Daniel 1:8 (ESV), "But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank."

It's almost easier and famous to say dare to be a Daniel than to say dare to be different. Daniel was different because he dared. Today's text tells the story of how Daniel, a young Hebrew man dared to stand up for his faith in the midst of a pagan culture. Daniel, along with his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar and brought to Babylon to serve in the king's court. Despite the pressure to conform to the king's ways, Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the king's food or wine; which were presumably dedicated to idols and pagan traditions. Therefore, instead, he asked the king's servant to give him and his friends vegetables to eat and water to drink.

The importance of standing up for one's faith, even in this perverse and untoward generation, cannot be overstated. As followers of Christ, we are called to be bold and courageous in our witness, just like Daniel. As followers of Christ, we are indeed called to be different from the world around us. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (NIV) We're called to stand out, to shine as lights in a dark world, and to reflect the love and character of Christ.

May we boldly live out our faith, embracing our uniqueness and difference, and may we inspire others to do the same! As the apostle Peter wrote, "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.'" (1 Peter 3:14, NIV) If you ever feel like compromising your faith or values to fit in with the crowd, remember Daniel's courage and conviction. Dare to be a Daniel! Or, you're a Christian working in a company where the culture is not very supportive of your faith. Your colleagues often make jokes about Christianity or mock your values. Or one day, your boss asks you to work on a project that involves promoting a product that goes against your Christian values. He pressures you to deliver the project quickly, even if it means compromising your faith.

Action Steps: Being like Daniel means resolving not to compromise your faith, even if it means facing opposition or criticism. It is being willing to face the consequences of standing up for your faith, even if it means losing your job or facing ridicule. Daring to be different, you demonstrate courage, conviction, and a commitment to your faith, even in the face of adversity. Ask God to give you the courage and conviction to stand up for your faith, even in the face of adversity. Surround yourself with supportive fellow believers who can encourage and strengthen you. Be bold and intentional in your witness, sharing the Gospel with others and living out your faith in practical ways. Remember that suffering for what is right is not only blessed but also brings glory to God.

Quote for the Day: "To stand up for your faith requires courage, conviction, and a willingness to suffer for what is right. But the reward is worth it: a life of integrity, a clear conscience, and a crown of glory that will last forever." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You today, asking for the courage and conviction to stand up for my faith, even in the face of adversity. Help me to be bold and intentional in my witness, sharing the Gospel with others and living out my faith in practical ways. Give me the strength to suffer for what is right, knowing that You are with me and that the reward is worth it — in Jesus' most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Joshua 1:9; Psalm 23:4; and Acts 4:13.

Read the Bible Through in One Year Plan: 1 Samuel 1; 1 Samuel 2; 1 Samuel 3; and 1 Samuel 4.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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