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
There are many examples in our day of people being influenced by those around them. We often talk to our youth about being influenced into things like drug use. They are taught about how people will influence them to take part of things that is not the best for them.
Peer pressure does not stop in childhood, however. It continues on through life as we find ourselves influenced by a lot of different things. We may be influenced by political figures, social leaders, musicians, or even friends and relatives. The influences that are placed on our lives can influence us for good, but many times they influence us for evil.
In this verse, we see how Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself. He wasn’t going to give in to the influence of the king and the desires of the king. Instead, Daniel was focused on living his life for the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Each of us makes a decision regarding our lives and what we allow in. We can make the choice to allow things and influences in that will defile us, or we can purpose in our hearts to live for God. It is a choice that each person must make for themselves.
Are you purposed to live for God? Are you rejecting the influences and corruption of the world so that you might live a life separated to Him? It isn’t easy to reject the influences of the world, but through prayer and God’s help, we can resist and live a life purposed to God!
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