Daniel 1:8--"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."
Do you know the story of Daniel?
He was a young man living in Jerusalem when they were attacked by the Babylonians. The Babylonians won the war and the Israel was overcome; many, including Daniel, were taken into captivity by the Babylonians.
The Babylonians did not take all of the Jews into captivity, but they took the best, smartest, brightest, and most promising young people of the day. Daniel and his friends were some of the ones chosen to go to Babylon in captivity.
Why were these taken? The king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, wanted to train and teach these young people in the ways and language of the Chaldeans, the Babylonian people.
Daniel and his friends were well taken care of by Nebuchadnezzar; for the king made provision of them with his best meat and wine! They were to eat like kings! Yet the Bible tells us that Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's meat and drink.
Daniel could have taken the king's meat and drink, but he purposed himself that he would not. This word 'purposed' means to determine or resolve. Daniel purposed [determined or resolved] that he would not be defiled by the king's meat and drink.
In the end Daniel and his friends only consume pulse (vegetables) and water, but they were healthier and better than all the others who partook of the king's meat and drink.
The principle of this story is that we as Christians today should purpose ourselves for godly things. We need to determine that we will do what God wants us to do and honour Him no matter what!
Have you purposed yourself?
Do you purpose yourself in:
Prayer
Bible reading
Bible study
Church attendance
Scripture memory
Holiness
Love for others
Witness
Service
So often we purpose to do many things, but they are not good or right things. Be like Daniel who as a young man purposed himself to do right and to serve the Lord.
Will you purpose yourself for the Lord today?