North Central District 

A Young Man's High Purpose

Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's dainties, nor with the wine which he drank.--Dan.1:8 ARV

Daniel was a military captive in a totalitarian state ruled by the dictator Nebuchadnezzar.  It has always been dangerous to oppose a dictator, but Daniel dared to do it. "He purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself." He would be true to the highest and the best that he knew even under the debasing conditions in which he was forced, as a captive, to live.

Surrounded by influences calculated to destroy every fine ideal he had learned at home and at the temple in Jerusalem, he was determined not to yield, and he did not yield.  He kept himself strong and clean for the service ahead--for God and country.

Today, as never before in America, we need Daniels who will purpose in their hearts, men and women who will highly resolve to do right and to keep clean though the heavens fall.  Daniels are needed in the armed forces.  To serve my country and my God most effectively, I shall need to keep my mind steady, my heart true, and my body fit.  I must:

Dare to be a Daniel,

Dare to stand alone,

Dare to have a purpose firm!

Dare to make it known!

FATHER GOD, help me to be ever true to the highest and best that I know, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.