"But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.” (v.8)
Daniel was a captive in a foreign land, but he did not forget his religious principles. He could not in good conscience eat meat that had been dedicated to a pagan god and had not been slaughtered in accordance with Hebrew laws. He asked for a simple fare of vegetables and water, and the steward risked his life to honor his request. I believe he did this because Daniel’s noble conduct had earned his respect.
The world looks with disdain on Christians who do not live by what they say they believe. That’s why we should remain true to our convictions. Consistency of character is what gains the respect of others. When the challenges come, and they will come, believers can be "strong in the Lord" and press forward in their convictions by "the power of His might." Rather than being overcome by the crowd, we can be over-comers. Nothing should deter us in our Christian walk, nor divert us from our prescribed course. We don't have to give in to any temptation or foe.
Therefore, "Be strong in the LORD, and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10), and unlike rivers, which have no choice in the matter, we can remain straight by refusing to follow the path of least resistance.
The Truth: "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them (false prophets), because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4)
