In the Bible, Daniel stands as a person of great courage and conviction. In his first recorded act, "Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine" (Daniel 1:8). He proposed an alternate diet of vegetables and water, but he didn’t try to stand alone. 

"Please test your servants for ten days," Daniel said. (v.12). His three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (better known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego), joined him in seeking to honor the Lord in a hostile culture where most others seemed to be going with the flow. 

Their shared motivation, far deeper than self-improvement or personal benefit, was to be true to the Lord in spite of the consequences. And after God honored their resolve (vv.17-18), that initial victory led to further "opportunities" for unwavering purpose—including a fiery furnace (3:8-18) and a lions’ den (6:1-28). In every challenge, they acted with faith and conviction. 

If we are going to live with purpose, there’s no better time than now to get started. When God urges us toward a change in attitude or behavior that will honor Him, it’s a step of faith to tell others what we’ve decided to do and ask for their help. In the process, we can become an encouragement to them.

Daniel resolved to live on the basis of conviction. His three friends joined him. Together they stood strong in God’s power—and so can we. —DM

REFLECTION

• What would I most like to change about my life during this school year? 
• What is the biggest obstacle I face in making that change? 
• Who might enter a pact with me to work toward spiritual change?