Conviction with Wisdom

Scripture Reading: Daniel 1:8-9

Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs…

Convictions are good. A courageous commitment to stand by those convictions is even better. After all, what good is it to call something a conviction if we abandon it when it becomes inconvenient, or our well-being is threatened because of it?

We need to follow Daniel’s lead and decide ahead of time to stand by our convictions. We have to be resolved or we will collapse under the pressure of the fear of man.

Notice, though, how Daniel approached the situation he found himself in. First, he had already made up his mind about what he would and wouldn’t do. But, when he went to the chief eunuch, he didn’t come to him with a stubbornness and rebelliousness of spirit. That doesn’t mean he was ready to compromise. He wasn’t debating the subject intending to be convinced differently. No. He had his mind made up, but he was wise in the way he spoke to the man who was put in charge of these young men.

He asked. He didn’t demand. We can read between the lines and accurately guess that Daniel gave solid reasons for his convictions on this matter. We can see that in the way it describes this man’s response to Daniel’s request. He had compassion for Daniel.

We can also assume that Daniel was prepared to bear the consequences of a potential denial of his request. He would have to disobey in this matter. He does that later in life when he is told he can’t pray to God. He prays anyway. Had he been told he would have to eat the king’s food and drink the king’s wine, he would have refused to do so.

But arrogant, in-your-face, argumentativeness was not Daniel’s first step. His first step was reasonable, respectful requests.

When we are faced with moments of choosing, we should have a predetermined path of obedience to what we believe is set in our minds. We should also be wise, gentle, and calmly courageous in our approach. We should pray that God would give us favor in the eyes of those whom we have to deal with. Confrontation and harsh consequences may come, but they should be the last step, not the first.