The Daniel DilemmaSample

In all places, at all times, preach the gospel with your attitude and actions. And if you need to use words, do that too.

Don’t lose your focus on what this life is really all about. Remember: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Eph. 5:15–17). Find your God-given purpose, his will for your life, and make the most of it. Daniel was a prisoner of war, a teenager enslaved by people with customs and values almost the exact opposite of his own. And yet, he still found a way to be the person God created him to be: a prophet, a spokesman of truth, a shining example to people everywhere. Even now, thousands of years later, we see the impact a person of influence can exert.

Do whatever it takes—short of sin—to bring as many people as you can with you into heaven. Don’t resign yourself to defeat when you read headlines or confront the sinful behavior of others. Don’t compromise your values and think there’s nothing you can do. Don’t give up on people just because they disagree with you. You have a glorious hope, the only real hope, to offer others. Make the most of your life, even though these days are evil, and make the most of this opportunity that God has given you. He’s strategically placed you in the most important generation of all times. Don’t waste it.

Your time to shine is now!