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Daniel Blessed for Choosing the Best, June 16
And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and
fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the
king’s meat.
Daniel 1:15
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The youth should stand in a position where their hearts may be wholly
the Lord’s; where they are honoring God with their strength. God will
then honor them by giving them knowledge and wisdom. Thus did Daniel
in the courts of Babylon, standing true to principle amid the corruptions of
the heathen. “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.
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 when in the
courts of licentious Babylon
By the example of Daniel and his fellows in Babylon, we see that it is
impossible to reach the standard which that Lord would have His children
reach, and practise an easy, accommodating kind of religion that leaves
principle out, and is controlled by circumstances. Youth who would serve
the God of heaven, cannot engage in worldly merriment, eat of enervating
luxuries, or drink strong drink because it is set before them by the honored
or wealthy men of the world, whom they fear to offend by refusing their
favors. They may think that they have been especially honored, and that
courtesy demands the acceptance of the favors proffered them; but loyalty
to God must take the precedence, and fear to offend the Lord of heaven
must control the Christian. The king of Babylon thought that he was
bestowing great favors upon Daniel and his fellows; but they had respect
unto God’s commandments more than unto the favor of the king.... God
honored Daniel, and He will honor every youth who takes the course that
Daniel took in honoring God
[175]
51
The Youth’s Instructor, October 25, 1894
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52
The Youth’s Instructor, August 18, 1898
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53
The Youth’s Instructor, October 25, 1894
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