Re:Verse passage – Daniel 1:1-21 (day seven)
“As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom” vs 17
Have you ever found yourself at a place where you might have to compromise your integrity to please someone else? Maybe this was peer pressure of the teenage/college years of your life, or maybe this was to succumb to the demands of an employer. You found yourself at a crossroads knowing that there would be consequences for whatever direction you went. These four youths found themselves at a similar crossroads. Despite their subjugation and lack of familiarity with the customs of this new life, they were obedient to their heavenly authority over their earthly authority, and their obedience was rewarded.
Faithful and consistent obedience to God creates a holistic shift in our daily focus from fear and uncertainty to confidence and empowerment. This kind of obedience alters our mind, body, and soul bringing us into a state of greater awareness of who He is and what He is doing around us, thus increasing our knowledge, intelligence, and wisdom.
Good reminder on the issues of integrity and obedience. When there is lack of integrity, there is no trust. When our personal and organizational values and integrity are in perfect alignment, there will be absolute obedience and interpersonal and organizational conflicts seem to be nonexistent!