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As Steadfast As Daniel, September 11
For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded:
therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not
be ashamed.
Isaiah 50:7
.
The youth have an example in Daniel, and if they are true to principle
and to duty they will be instructed as Daniel was. As the wisdom of the
world viewed the matter, he and his three companions had every advantage
secured to them. But here their first test was to come. Their principles
must come into collision with the regulations and appointments of the
king. They were to eat the food placed upon his table and drink his wine....
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
).
This request was not preferred in a defiant spirit, but was solicited as a
great favor.... Daniel and his companions ... were courteous, kind, respect-
ful, possessing the grace of meekness and modesty. And now as Daniel
and his fellows were brought to the test, they placed themselves fully on
the side of righteousness and truth. They did not move capriciously, but
intelligently. They decided that as flesh meat had not composed their diet
in the past, neither should it come into their diet in the future. And as the
use of wine had been prohibited to all those who should engage in the
service of God, they determined that they would not partake of it....
Daniel and his companions knew not what would be the result of their
decision. They knew not but that it would cost them their lives, but they
determined to keep the straight path of strict temperance, even in the
courts of licentious Babylon.... The good behavior of these youth obtained
for them favor. They rested their case in the hands of God, following
a discipline of self-denial and temperance in all things. And the Lord
cooperated with Daniel and his fellows....
These particulars were placed on record in the history of the children
of Israel as a warning to all youth to avoid all approach to customs and
practices and indulgences that would dishonor God in any way.
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