Set Apart to Serve God

08/06/21 – 08/22/21

A Different Standard

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  08/07/21

How have you stood apart from the world in your life? Are people surprised when they learn that you are a Christian? Do you compromise your beliefs to fit in with your friends or co-workers? Or do you seek to do everything according to God’s plan for your life?

When Daniel and his friends were studying in the Babylonian palace, they were given a decadent diet that contradicted the dietary laws of the Israelites. The Babylonians not only ate what the Jews considered unclean, but what they ate had been offered to the Babylonian idols.

Instead of conforming to a new lifestyle, Daniel remembered that God had called him to a different standard. Daniel knew that God wanted him to change the world, not to allow the world to change him.

So Daniel proposed an experiment that tested the results of his healthy, God-given dietary standards against those of the Babylonians. Daniel didn’t argue with his captors. He didn’t belittle their ways. He simply made a point that his traditional food would serve him better. And in the end, Daniel proved the Truth through his actions.

When we are confronted with ungodly situations, we must remember that we are called to godly behavior, no matter what pressures we face. We don’t need to engage in heated theological debates to make our point, but instead we should live a lifestyle of Christian faith and love. “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (1 Peter 2:12).

Prayer: God, help me to live my life by Your standard and not the world’s. Help me to always demonstrate godly behavior even in difficult situations. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).