EXPOSITION:

Whether we believe in the reality or not, the decisions we take affect us; they make us or break us. It is therefore very important to consider the decisions we take in life. Decisions are the conclusions or resolutions reached after careful consideration. Daniel 1 teaches about the power of personal decisions. We see young men from Judah taken to Babylon as captives and selected to be trained so they can serve in the King’s palace. Daniel decided not to defile himself with the King’s food which had been sacrificed to idols. “The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom” (Dan, 1:19-20).

Entering into the King’s service and being found ten times better is an achievement any young person would want. This does not however come on a silver platter. It starts with the ability to take die-hard decisions for God and the issues of life. Daniel took a firm decision not to defile himself with the King’s delicacy – Daniel 1:8. The ability to take a firm decision comes from our connection to a strength base. A careful reading indicates that Daniel and his friends had a great relationship with God and this influenced their decisions even in a foreign country. Decisions of such nature define us – that we belong to God and are ready to be inconvenienced for Him. That, however, is not the end. Decisions like that make God committed to us, and this is a clear lesson learnt from the life of Daniel. Our ability to take firm, positive and courageous personal decisions in 2022 is linked to our personal growth. We need to learn this as we seek to develop ourselves holistically this year. Simply put, decisions should not be taken in haste and should always be to the glory of God!