I will not defile myself
How serious are we at living up to this statement as found in the book of Daniel, are you fully and sincerely committed to God, will you never ever in any way ever defile yourself? Daniel 1:8 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” Quote; “But Daniel did not hesitate. The approval of God was dearer to him than the favor of the most powerful earthly potentate—dearer than life itself. He determined to stand firm in his integrity, let the result be what it might. He “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank.” And in this resolve he was supported by his three companions. In reaching this decision, the Hebrew youth did not act presumptuously but in firm reliance upon God. They did not choose to be singular, but they would be so, rather than dishonor God. Should they compromise with wrong in this instance, by yielding to the pressure of circumstances, their departure from principle would weaken their sense of right and their abhorrence of wrong. The first wrong step would lead to others, until, their connection with Heaven was severed, they would then be swept away by temptation. {CSA 54}
Then there is also the case of Joseph; Genesis 39:9 “[There is] none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou [art] his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Joseph clearly knew right from wrong, clearly stating that he refused to ‘sin against God,’ “I will not defile myself,” Genesis 39:11-13 “And it came to pass about this time, that [Joseph] went into the house to do his business; and [there was] none of the men of the house there within. And she caught him by his garment, saying, lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.” Josph and Daniel both stood firm for righteousness, clearly representing God’s Character. Joseph got thrown instantly into prison over this righteous stand, Daniel’s three friends went into a superheated brick kiln, but Jesus walked beside them, and made it super cool, Daniel later landed himself in a den of very hungry lions (just read further to confirm just how fast the next people got eaten up, as they did not even get to fall to touch the floor, as they were eaten midair) Foxes book of Martyrs lists numerous people who stood for right though the heavens fall. If sin seductively beckons, will you quickly respond, “I will not defile myself,” I only serve the Living God, him only will I serve.
Quote; “Death before dishonor or the transgression of God’s law should be the motto of every Christian. As a people professing to be reformers, treasuring the most solemn, purifying truths of God’s word, we must elevate the standard far higher than it is at the present time. Sin and sinners in the church must be promptly dealt with, that others may not be contaminated. Truth and purity require that we make more thorough work to cleanse the camp from Achan’s. Let those in responsible positions not suffer sin in a brother. Show him that he must either put away his sins or be separated from the church.” {CCh 109} Daniel 6:16 “Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast [him] into the den of lions. [Now] the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.” It is interesting to note that even the Pagan King knew who Daniel was devoted to, the integrity of his heart, his righteous ethics, hence he clearly stated “Thy God whom thou servest continually.” Daniel still held true, “I will not defile myself,” “Death before dishonor,” but are we as true to duty as the needle is to the pole?? 1 Peter 3:12-17 “For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil. And who [is] he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be ye troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For [it is] better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” Our firm “Mantra” should always be, “I will not defile myself,” or “Death before dishonor or the transgression of God’s law should be the motto of every Christian.” Will you be a Joseph, even a Daniel, a dedicated believer, a servant of the Living God, forever declaring that; “I will not defile myself”??Isaiah 59:2 “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear.” Those that ‘Defile Themselves,’ always find that their relationship with God is strained and they become separated, and this strained relationship is found and replicated in their relationship with spouses, family, friends, just everything is strained. But fix your relationship with God, clearly declare “I will not defile myself,” and it is interesting to note how quickly all other relationships are healed and restored, strengthened and grow back stronger than ever, are you committed and dedicated to God, when pressured to sin, to let God and Heaven down, will you firmly stand for God and declare, “I will not defile myself?”
