In verse number 8 of Daniel chapter number 1, we read these words, a familiar verse. The Bible says, “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.”

We’re all familiar with this story, but as the children of Judah are brought into captivity, they are given everything that Babylon has to offer. But Daniel made a choice. He made a decision, and he purposed in his heart that he wouldn’t defile himself with the things of Babylon.

Yesterday we read about Daniel, Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, but it doesn’t say that all of them purposed in their heart. I wanted to notice this morning that it says, “But Daniel purposed in his heart.” It was one person who made a decision. We don’t read of them kind of looking around at each other and saying, “Well, what do you think we should do? What do you think we should do?” There was one person who was willing to take a stand and do what is right.

And that’s my challenge for you and me today: that we wouldn’t look around at the bystanders, we wouldn’t look around at those going with us, but that we ourselves would purpose in our hearts that we’re going to do the right thing.

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Emory Fuller, GSBC Activities Director

Emory Fuller is a faculty member for Golden State Baptist College, heading up all of the activities and much of the intramural sports. His wife, Jein, serves alongside him in the church Media Department.