Obedience Even in the Smallest Things

Daniel made a decision to obey God, even in the little things at a young age. Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, were taken from their homeland to serve the Babylonian king. The diet the king offered violated God’s dietary commands for His people.

“Anyone who can be trusted in little matters can also be trusted in important matters. But anyone who is dishonest in little matters will be dishonest in important matters.”

– Luke 16:10 CEV

So the four young men refused to eat the king’s food and instead asked for vegetables and water (see Daniel 1). They chose to obey God’s commandments even in the seemingly small things, and as a result, God blessed them with wisdom, knowledge and understanding beyond their years.

Make obedience to God your highest priority.

Daniel’s obedience was not just limited to his diet. Throughout his life, he continued to obey God, even when it meant risking his life. When Daniel refused to stop praying to God, he was thrown into a den of lions. But God closed the lions’ mouths and the king saw God save Daniel’s life (see Daniel 6).

Perhaps Daniel’s example of obedience challenges you to examine your own life and to determine if you obey God, even in the seemingly small things. Jesus said, “Anyone who can be trusted in little matters can also be trusted in important matters. But anyone who is dishonest in little matters will be dishonest in important matters” (CEV).

You will find when you obey God in all things, your faith will flourish and you’ll develop a habit of obedience that prepares you for greater responsibilities in the future.

Today’s One Thing

Ask yourself, Am I always obedient to God, even in the smallest things? Give the Holy Spirit permission to show you any areas where you might need some improvement, and then take action to follow His lead.

Go Deeper

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