A Higher Hope

A Higher Hope

Daniel 1:1-21 (and the entire book of Daniel)

Daniel, along with Hananiah, Mishael and Azriah were all chosen to serve in the king’s court, after being taken captive into Babylonia. This would be a great honor, and they would be treated very well. Yet, Daniel decided to throw a wrench in the works. Against the King’s orders, he decided that they would not eat the royal food, which was against his faith. With God’s help, he and the other three prevailed, and through several trials they persevered, never giving in to the King’s wishes when those wishes opposed God, no matter how tempting or easy it may have made their lives. They were even willing to go to their deaths because of their ‘hope.’ They knew that there was a better hope in God than in the pleasures and blessings of this world.

How often do we compromise our faith to get along in this world? What aspects of our faith have we neglected or ignored, in order to feel a few moments of pleasure, or to further ourselves in our jobs or with our friends? Do we ever say to ourselves that “just a little won’t hurt,” or “I’m doing this for my family,” or even, “The experience will help me to help others”? We have a way of convincing ourselves to act in a way that is not in keeping with the faith that we have. Our hopes get tied up in this world and the people of this world. We let our flesh lead us.

What better way to love the people of this world, than to show them the love of God. If we continue to give in to our urges and the ways that surround us, how will others know that we are not of this world, but that we belong to a better place, a better ‘ONE.’ It is so easy to explain away our sins, but in the end, we, along with God, know that they are still sins. Let’s show the world a better way. Let’s be firm in our convictions and avoid those things which are not pure. Let pray that the spirit , who is in us,will fill us with the love and guidance that is needed to overcome, and let Christ shine through every moment.