Living for God in a Godless Society Part 1Sample

CHOOSING COMMUNITY

Daniel chose to follow God in his eating habits, but he also brought three friends from his home tribe of Judah—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—into that covenant with him. No conversation among the friends is recorded in Scripture, but Daniel may have been the leader who encouraged them to join his stand. There is no doubt they stood stronger together than they each would have stood alone. At the end of the ten-day trial period, instead of just Daniel showing the excellent effect of God’s favor on this new diet plan, those results were multiplied by four! And we can imagine how they supported one another to stay resolute. Those four Judean youths were a band of brothers who strengthened and steadied each other as they were isolated amid a hostile culture. We, too, need the strength of community to keep us accountable in our spiritual resolve.

Ask Yourself:

-After Daniel decided to change his diet, how did he present this to the chief of the eunuchs?

-What part might his friends have played in this? What was God’s part?

-How do you depend on your life group or other community to support you in these decisions?

Pause to Pray: Father, I know You created me to live in community. Thank You for the support I get from family and friends. Help me to support them in return. Show us how we can serve You better together than any of us could alone. Help us not to be afraid to challenge each other to stand up for You in difficult circumstances. Amen.

Take a Next Step: If you are not part of a small group of believers, take a step toward a group today. Your local church is the best place to start! If you are already in a group, talk with your group about ways to encourage and hold one another accountable to live with spiritual resolve.