Make a Stand for God
Have you ever had to stand up for what you believe in, even if it’s different than what those around you believe? In college, I began an abiding relationship with the Lord and new convictions flooded my heart. I decided to give up things of the world I had indulged in–partying, drinking, and lying. My friends were confused, and my peers pressured me to still partake in the things we used to do together. I was not perfect at repenting from sin, but God captured my heart. I couldn’t deny what He was calling me to do. He was asking me to look different from the world, to make a stand for Him.
In Daniel 1, we read that Daniel and his three friends decided to take a stand for God by not partaking in eating the king’s food. Instead, they ate only vegetables and water to prove themselves as people of God. I can only imagine the kind of questions, remarks, and comments Daniel and his three friends received for being different.
We live in a world where acceptance is the goal. We dress in the latest fashion trends to be accepted by society. We take in popular media (movies, TV shows, music, books) to fit in with the culture around us. We search for the next career change that will give us more money, more satisfaction, and greater significance so that those around us will notice us. If we aren’t careful, our beliefs can be formed by the world instead of God’s Word.
Our flesh, the world, and Satan tell us, “What’s the big deal about fitting in with culture?” According to God’s Word, there is great risk in looking like the world. Compromising our faith for acceptance means we are putting ourselves and others above God when God calls us to be holy, or set apart, for Him.
Honoring God Over the World
A few years ago, I remember watching a popular Netflix show. Instagram promoted this show, news articles were posted about this show, and my friends (believers and non-believers) watched and talked about this show. Although I knew there would be inappropriate scenes in the show, my flesh said, “What’s the big deal about it?” I gave in to peer pressure and temptation and watched an entire season of this show. I remember conviction immediately overwhelming my heart when the show ended. Why had I sacrificed honoring God with my heart and mind to be accepted by the world? I confessed what I had done to God and others and promised to be more considerate of what I was filling my heart and mind with from that point forward.
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God–what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.” God says that believers should look different from the world. It is how we will reflect Him to the lost people around us. A lot of times, others will start to wonder why our lives look different and be intrigued by our unique choices.
Living Fully for Him
It takes much thought, consideration, boldness, and faith to set yourself apart from the world. It is much easier to cling to what culture puts in front of us without questioning if it’s honorable to God. So, what is the benefit to choosing God’s commands over the world?
Let’s look back at Daniel’s life. The Bible says that Daniel and his friends won favor with the people who captured them. Daniel and his friends ended up stronger, wiser, and better than all the other men who ate and drank the king’s food. How is that possible since they ate only vegetables and water? God honored His children for being obedient to Him. And since God is sovereign over everything in the world, He gave His children favor with those who were testing them.
Take a moment to consider your life. Is there anything you’re partaking in that is dishonoring to God but pleasing to the world? Maybe it’s a habit you’ve formed where your time and heart are prioritizing things above God. Maybe it’s a TV show you’re watching that has inappropriate behavior. Maybe it’s a fiction book you’re reading that has suggestive material. Maybe it’s a belief you’ve formed from a message the world is telling you. Whatever it is, confess it to God and others and choose to repent today. God will show you His favor for choosing to live fully for Him.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8 ESV
