It seems like everyone is trying to stand out from the crowd. Some do it by trying to be the best or expert in their field. Others do it by attempting crazy things or screaming at the top of their lungs about an issue they are passionate about. Their main goal, although not stated, is to rise above the rest and be noticed. Daniel shows us, as Christians, how to rise above the rest for the glory of God.
Daniel 1:20
“As for every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and conjurers who were in all his realm.”
Risky Stand
Daniel and his buddies took a risky stand when they decided not to eat the food sacrificed to the Babylonian gods. They asked for only vegetables and water. After a period of time, they not only looked better than the rest of the students, they were sharper in wisdom and understanding. This wasn’t about a vegetarian diet. It was about being obedient to God and honoring Him with their lives. When we do that, we rise above the rest.
Two Things Matter
Obedience and faithfulness are two things that matter to the disciple. When we obey God’s word and the leading of the Holy Spirit, it puts us in His presence and our hearts and knit together. Faithfulness means that we are trusting Jesus and leaning on His understanding. This gives us the wisdom to make the right decisions. That is what Daniel exhibited and made him rise above the rest of the students.
Rise Above the Rest
With everybody doing the same thing today, it doesn’t take much to stand out. As a believer in Jesus Christ, that means being obedient and faithful. With everyone else is running around doing what the masses are doing, you will be going against the flow. You might receive some flack for it but stand firm and watch as God leads you on the right path.