Committed or Devoted?

“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…” Daniel 1:8a

The cruel, vicious, barbaric King Nebuchadnezzar invaded Jerusalem and carried away the king and some young Hebrew boys, among whom was Daniel. Daniel had been taught from an early age to FEAR the Lord and keep His commandments. It took more than guts or commitment to stay true to his faith in God. . . Daniel was DEVOTED.

“Commitment” means “to obligate or pledge oneself through an act of the will” or HEAD. “Devotion” means “to set apart exclusively” and implies a deeper emotion or decision from the HEART. It comes from the Hebrew word “cherem” meaning “complete separation, being cut off from common use and given wholly to God without the right of recall or change.”

How deep is YOUR loyalty to God? Will your devotion keep you true when tempted by the world or when tried by disappointments and sickness? Is yours a self-centered or a Christ-centered religion? Only a prayerful Daniel could survive the lions’ den.

Seek to know Christ as both PRIEST and KING. He is not only loving and kind, but also omniscient and omnipotent. He is not only merciful and full of compassion, but also disciplined and orderly. He loves you and wants to meet your needs today.

PRAY: “Father, my desire is to die to selfish thoughts and ambitions which can prevent total devotion to You.  Amen.”