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Are You Drawing a Distinct Line?
“ARE YOU DRAWING A DISTINCT LINE?”
Many of us are alarmed at how quickly our culture has been rejecting God and the Biblical principles we have followed for years. It is something that seems to be increasing in speed and frequency, but what would you do if we lost it all? What would you do if we lost every right and ability to call on the Name of the Lord? What would you do if we lost every right to worship the Lord as the Bible commands us?
Think for a few moments about what was happening during the time of Daniel and his friends. Remember! The Babylonian Empire had taken control of Jerusalem and was sending off the people to far away lands to become slaves. Daniel and his friends were given new names. They were taught a new language and a new philosophy. They were introduced to a new religion. How quickly things changed for Daniel and his friends.
An issue arose over food. Knowing the strict dietary laws of the Jews, the Babylonians commanded them to eat from the king’s table. However, Daniel and his friends took a stand. “But, Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank.” (Daniel 1:8) The key part of this verse is that Daniel “made up his mind.” Daniel and his friends took a stand. They drew a distinct line and would not cross it. They went against the popular ideas of the time.
The idea that these men “made up their minds” continues throughout the book of Daniel. Remember the battle over worshipping the golden idol set up by the king. Daniel’s friends refused to bow down and worship it. For drawing a distinct line and not crossing it, they were cast into the furnace where God saved them. While many bowed down to the idol, they drew their line and did not cross over it.
What lesson do we take away from Daniel and his friends. Society and popular culture could very well take it all away from us one day. I pray that it never happens. However, if it does, are we going to be ready to draw those distinct lines like Daniel and his friends? Are we making a distinction in our homes right now between what is worldly and what is godly? Are we following the examples of Daniel and his friends by showing courage to our families? We need to “make up our minds” that no matter what society throws at us, we will be ready. Are you drawing distinct lines in your life?
Written by Larry Schneider
