From children to Parents : What distinguishes us?

Every human being has apparently what others see: features and distinct personalities, such as how they are, which eventually they inherited from the family, from socializing with others, or as a result of struggles and problems they’ve faced.

These characteristics merely distinguish us humanly.

All the young men chosen by Nebuchadnezzar already had something that set them apart from the rest. All of them, through the human eye, stood out.

And that’s how it is with faith. At some point we “stand out.” In something, we call God’s attention without a doubt!

But what will make the difference in the course of our lives? What, in fact, will make us stand out, even in the midst of all of those who are called?

Is it the human intelligence, the physical abilities, your nationality?

No!

Our attitudes of faith! The way we react in front of the circumstances.

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs.” (Dn.1: 8,9).

If as a son or father you see yourself in the midst of “injustice”, problems or difficulties, in the family, academically or professionally, take a look in what circumstances Daniel’s life was in:

– He was taken captive even as a teenager; removed from his parent’s home, from his beloved city, Jerusalem;

– He was stolen, and the vessels of the house of God were given to the temples of pagan gods;

– His name was changed to a name that gives reference of praise to other gods;

– He was ‘forced’ to eat contaminated food, offered to gods.

But everything that was done to him did not seize him, destroy or make him blaspheme. At no time was there any lamenting from his part. On the contrary, his interior, very firm in the promises of God, was the absolute safety to act out the genuine faith.

The fear and trust in God was confirmed by attitudes, because even with his name changed, he possessed the biggest Name inside!

Of course, he knew this would never influence him.

Sometimes someone gives us a ‘nickname’; a situation with third parties saddens or influences us. And we stall; we forget that our inner self is what should be well established.

Daniel was God-fearing and audacious to face a direct order from the king, using the supernatural power of his faith.

With his attitude, God allowed him to obtain mercy and understanding from the part of the chief of the eunuchs. And even influenced his companions, with his attitude.

Many times we don’t allow ourselves to use the faith at the right moment. When we need it the most, we give in, we question, we doubt. We submit ourselves to the yoke of the emotional “faith” through thoughts, words, and reactions. Like this, little we will positively influence others.

Like Daniel and his companions, there should be a distinguished consolidated faith in us; fearless, really submitting ourselves to the teachings of our instructors, parents and “teachers.” And this can only be perceived during trial times. There is no way to prove it otherwise.

Could it be that in trial times, we give up or put into practice what we have learned?