The Christian life is a life of commitment. For example, Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (1:4). When we become Christians, we have to change! “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).
God does His part in our conversion. We are saved by His grace and love. Our faith brings access through Jesus Christ. But that access is only granted if we truly have purpose in our heart! It is seen in repentance, and obedience. God will not grant forgiveness, unless we repent (cf. Luke 13:5). That new life will not begin unless we submit to baptism (see Romans 6:4 above).
Daniel serves as a great example here. “But Daniel purposed in his heart…” (Daniel 1:8). The word “purposed” here is a Hebrew word that means, to put, appoint, commit, determine. So, Daniel committed to remaining faithful to the Lord despite the pressure to “defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies,” and “with the wine which he [the king] drank” (1:8).
In effect, everything was already decided for Daniel, and his friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego. Consider the words those three delivered to the king when the choice to worship him or die was given. “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up” (Daniel 3:16-18). What Nebuchadnezzar thought was a choice was not a choice at all. That’s why the three said, “we have no need to answer you in this matter.” The only One they had to answer to was God, and so there was no choice at all. They would stay true to Him rather than to compromise their faith and allegiance to the Almighty.
This concept is found in the New Testament as well. It is why Jesus told his disciples, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). Just like Nebuchadnezzar, men can kill us for our refusal to choose to do their will, but that is all they can do. If we fear God, and purpose in our hearts only to do His bidding, ultimately we will have the victory!
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:31-39).
So, let’s consider the need for the Christian to live a purposeful life of service to God. In Colossians 3:1-4, Paul wrote:
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”
There are four truths expressed in these few verses. First, if Christ’s resurrection and ascension into heaven is true, then we have the obligation to serve Him. Second, the obligation to “purpose in [your] heart” to serve God is found in the phrase, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Third, our motivation of thanksgiving and obligation is seen in the fact that Jesus died for us. Fourth, our hope is that when Christ returns our eternal salvation is assured.
That is the wonderful thing, as indicated in God’s protection of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego. God’s blessings are promised to those who serve Him! As Daniel 1 indicates, Daniel and his friends were rewarded by God for their loyalty. “Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm” (Daniel 1:19-20).
God benefits those who purpose in their hearts to serve Him. “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:31-33).
All should realize that God, as our Creator, gave us one preeminent responsibility. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
It is guaranteed. Purpose in your heart to obey God and He will look out for you and bless you!
