But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the royal delicacies or the royal wine. He therefore asked the overseer of the court officials for permission not to defile himself. Then God made the overseer of the court officials sympathetic to Daniel. Daniel 1.8-9
A decision is a resolution to act in a determined way. It involves a firmness of will to carry out what has been determined. Some decisions are not earth shaking. They will not bring about catastrophes if we fail to stand by our decision. Others can have eternal consequences.
Daniel had been carried to Babylonia with many other Israelites. King Nebuchadnezzar had commanded Ashpenaz, who was in charge of his court officials, to choose some of the young men who were of royal and noble descent to be taught the literature and language of the Babylonians. They were to be fed from the king’s table and to be given wine to drink.
Many people would just go where life had taken them. They would not see the possibility for them to continue serving God in a foreign land. Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the royal delicacies or the royal wine. He proceeded to ask the overseer of the court officials for permission not to defile himself. He took action that resulted in his remaining pure and undefiled. God blessed his decision.
In a world where sin has come to be acceptable, have you made the decision not to defile yourself? Will you remain pure and undefiled?