But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. – Daniel 1:8
Daniel could have easily compromised. He was in a foreign land, living under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar, and had been chosen to undergo training for three years in the king’s service. During this time he was given royal food and wine – a luxury by any standard. But Daniel made a bold choice. He resolved not to eat the royal food.
This decision might seem small, but it carried great weight. The food from the king’s table was more than sustenance – it was symbolic of total assimilation into Babylonian culture, a culture that worshipped other gods and followed different values. For Daniel, partaking in the royal food would be aligning himself with that culture, forsaking the ways of God that he had been raised in.
We’re often faced with our own “royal foods” aren’t we? Things that look good, things that seem harmless, but deep down they go against God’s will and His holy Word. Whether it’s engaging in certain behaviors, adopting worldly mindsets, or simply letting the culture around us define who we are – the temptations are very real and constant.
Daniel’s resolve came from knowing who he was – a servant of God. They could change his name, they could change his geography, they could even try to reeducate him, but they could not change his identity in the Lord. Daniel knew where he came from and who he ultimately served, and that was his anchor in these unfamiliar waters.
The same is true for us. Our identity in Christ is the foundation that keeps us grounded when the world offers its “royal food.” We may live in a culture that celebrates things counter to our faith, but like Daniel, we have the choice to remember who we ultimately serve. The challenge is to resolve not to let the world define us or our actions, but to let God’s truth guide our thoughts and actions. Like Daniel, we too are sojourners in a world that isn’t our permanent home.
What are the royal foods being offered to you today? Where in your life are you being tempted to compromise? How can you remind yourself of your true identity in Christ when faced with these compromising temptations?
May we, like Daniel, stand firm in our identity in Christ. Let us pray continuously for the Lord to give us strength and wisdom to choose what honors Him, refusing to forget where we came from and who we ultimately serve.
Former Blackout Artist 