Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed (the word implies a decided resolution) 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.
Both the meat and the wine would more than likely have been offered unto pagan gods, and according to Scripture would have defiled the young man Daniel. Where did he get the idea that these things would defile him? You got it!! From Holy Scripture. However, not only would Daniel not want to disobey his God, he also knew that in disobeying God, he would be a bad witness to the Babylonians. These things may have been lawful for Daniel, but these things were certainly not expedient or necessary (1 Corinthians 10:23). Like Moses, Daniel chose to suffer affliction with the people of God than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (Hebrews 11:24-25).
Another one of my favorite characters in the Old Testament is Joseph, and he at a young age had a very bitter experience. His brothers turned on him and sold him to slave traders who were going to Egypt (Genesis 37). In Egypt he was sold to a man by the name of Potiphar who was one of the chief guards to the Pharaoh. Potiphar’s wife took a liking to him and sought to seduce him into a sexual relationship. But it said that Joseph said unto her, “How can I do this great sin against God?” (Genesis 39:1-9) So, though a teenager, though in a strange country where the influences of the home are gone and the opportunity to compromise is there; yet because of that purpose in his heart, he remained true to the Lord.
Lord, put such a holy purpose in each of our hearts.
