Daniel 1:8-9, "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel..."

Think

Daniel was stuck between a rock and a hard place. He knew God didn't want him to eat the royal food, but he also knew that was what the king expected. How would Daniel honor God and the person in authority? Maybe you've been in that type of situation. Your boss wants you to "bend the rules" just this once to get the job done. The person in charge wants you to join in the conversation trashing someone else. The person in power sees the decision from a different point of view.  In those situations, what do we do? Daniel didn't rebel against his authority. Daniel presented an option to honor those in authority while obeying God. Instead of getting scared, Daniel got creative and presented an option that honored those in authority and God.

Act

Make the decision today to honor God by honoring those in authority. And when doing both seems impossible, ask God to show you solutions for doing both.

Pray

My Father in Heaven, please give me the faith to follow you in every situation. Please give me the creativity to see the options for honoring You and those in authority, whenever it's possible.