DON'T BREAK STRIDE!!!
(Daniel 6:10)

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

Do you remember peer pressure? I most certainly do. Because everybody's doing it, everybody's wearing it and everybody's going there, we just had to do it, wear it or go there. The teenage years were a trying time for us all, but not because we were teens -- rather because we were in transition and were not on "solid ground" if you will, regarding who we were and where we were going in life. Our lives were still evolving and we were in the process of establishing several niches in our lives.

The funny thing about peer pressure, especially once a person is saved, is that society would have us believe that peer pressure is something that is exclusive to teens. This fact is highlighted, many times, by the topics covered in services/conferences for young people. Peer pressure is a hot item at these meetings. How many of us realize, however, that there is a difference between simply discussing peer pressure and instructing "people", not just teens on how to become and maintain individuality?

This brings us to today's InSight message. You may have already guessed where I'm going with this one. Peer pressure is definitely not exclusive to teens. Yes, teens face obstacles the size of mountains. Just as teens' lack of identity, position and purpose is the root of the mountain's size, so also do those who are older need to recognize the fact that taking a strong stance in our walk with God is fueled by the conviction of who we are in God and what we are called to do in Him.

Let's take a look at the text of today's message. Daniel was a godly man. He was exalted to a position of great responsibility among the captivity of the Israelites. A decree was made, as the result of the jealousy and hatred of Daniel's cohorts (types of the enemy). They knew Daniel's reputation. They had seen his lifestyle. They knew his mannerisms, habits and convictions and used these things that we would consider to be strengths to pressure him into retreat -- the equivalent of peer pressure.

Where does the pressure come from (for us)? We face peer pressure on our jobs, in our homes and even at church. Although "peer pressure" comes in a variety of situations, it finds its root in two sources -- the nature of flesh and the devil himself. Galatians 5:17 states, For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. This is actually our greatest battle, because in this case adversarial circumstance is with us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You NEVER escape your flesh. Paul describes this battle more thoroughly in Romans 7:21, which states, I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. The devil/demonic forces come and go (James 4:7; Matthew 4:11) after making no progress. Our emphasis today is not on flesh, but on the devil. Lest Satan should get an advantage of us (2 Corinthians 2:11), let us be reminded of or become aware of how he uses peer pressure.

It's exactly like what happened in the days of Daniel. Just as Daniel's cohorts did, the devil and his forces watch us. Does this shock you? Consider 1 Peter 5:8-9 states, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. I'm placing the emphasis on "seeking" in this passage. I watched a nature show one day that was discussing the hunting pattern of lions. Lions are basically lazy. They lay around quite a bit -- more inactive than we think they are (yet they can be vicious). They rely more on intimidation than sheer strength. I watched as they hunted for food in a pack of animals. They actually watched to "seek whom they could devour." They watched to see which animals was slower and weaker -- identifying easy prey. Once the easy prey was identified, they went in for the kill.

The devil does the same thing to us. He "scouts". He watches our actions and demeanor. He "sticks us with pins", if you will, to see how we will react. He knows our convictions, likes and dislikes. To make a long story short, he has a dossier on those who are called by the name of the Lord. Remember the sons of Sceva in Acts (Paul I know and Jesus I know, but who are you...)? The attack (the actual trying of our faith) comes AFTER being scouted. In some cases, he comes at the area of our weakness. God uses this to strengthen us.

In Daniel's case, he challenged a point of strength head on. This aspect of dealing with temptation is discussed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:13, Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. NOTE: Contrary to popular belief, this verse is not condemning you if you realize that you're standing, but rather exhorting you to TAKE HEED if you are. When challenged by the enemy on points of strength, the threat of peer pressure is used to weaken our stand. Please remember that embracing, establishing and maintaining the testimony of Jesus Christ (not just being a church member) has its price (2 Timothy 3:12). The forms of peer pressure used against us are threats of rejection, emotional pain and agony, separation and loneliness among others. We must even endure the "crying of the flesh" when certain forms of temptation are endured. The crying of the flesh cannot be compared, however, to the glory God wants to reveal to us and in us.

In doing these things, the enemy seeks to use the nature of our flesh against us (we have a strong desire to be accepted and loved). The enemy is "banking" on us to succumb to our flesh and change our actions and attitudes so that we might be accepted. Sound familiar? Can you see the parallels? We must strive to do what Daniel did. WHEN DANIEL KNEW that the writing was signed, he STILL did exactly as he did prior to the writing/decree. He still prayed three times a day. He knew that in doing so, he ran the risk of being thrown to the lions. We hear about the lions den, but we don't hear a lot about how he got there. Daniel ended up in the lions den because he DID NOT BREAK STRIDE concerning the things of God.

What "lions den" are you facing today? What "lions den" will you be facing tomorrow? How committed are you and I to the things of God -- willing to maintain His standards regardless of the consequences (by focusing on the prize, the high calling of God in Christ Jesus)? What is the enemy threatening you with if you don't conform to the ideas, standards, feelings and mores of the world? Which do you love greater -- the praises of men or acceptance and praise from God (John 12:42-43)?

Let's strive to be like Daniel. Let's endure. God's word hasn't changed just because of the size of our obstacle(s)! Even when the results may seem to be insurmountable, we must be encouraged to rely on the Almighty as our source of sustenance and deliverance. Remember, Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him (James 1:12).

Saints, don't break stride!!! Until next time, keep the word and be blessed!!!