As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. — Daniel 1:17-20

So as I have already mentioned, this devo is part of a three-part series where we will learn how resolute men do three things. How a resolute man makes choices. How he approaches challenges. And how he affects others.

Today is part three — How a resolute man affects others.

Resolute men understand that every decision they make affects someone else. But sometimes, the effects of our choices can put others in a real bind. For example, in Daniel's situation taking the moral high ground put three groups of people in a bind:

First, it put the political authorities over him in a bind. Superiors like the chief eunuch and the servant were at real risk of losing their heads for making a unilateral change to the king's menu.
Second, it also put the three friends in a bind. By association Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were at risk too for their partnership by association.
Third, we often forget that his decision also put the compromising captives in a bind. Remember, many other Israelites chose not to take a moral stand, knew the risk, and did not follow suit. Depending on how the whole situation pans out, there could have been a residual impact on them.

But gentlemen, being a resolute man means we assess the risks and take action, understanding that every decision and non-decision affects these three groups: authorities, friendships, and compromisers. But we must remain resolute, knowing that trusting God. Remembering that taking the moral high ground may affect others, but its end is always better.

So my question for you today is—Are you affecting others, or are they affecting you?

ASK THIS: What decision will you make today that could have a moral effect on others?

DO THIS: Be resolute.

PRAY THIS: God, may everything I do and say impact the people that come across my path today.

PLAY THIS: Send Me — Jenn Johnson.

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