The biggest threat to the “with God” life comes from subtle compromises.

“Know what’s weird? Day by day nothing seems to change, but pretty soon everything’s different.”

- Bill Waterson (Creator of Calvin and Hobbes)

Daniel 1:8

But Daniel was determined (resolved, purposed in his heart) not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king.

Daniel 3:16–18

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

Daniel 3:28

“Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.”

The world does not need more experts. The world needs more examples.

Daniel 6:10

But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.

Character

Discipline for your desired destination.

John 3:16

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”