Serious With God and Serious for God: The Decision Daniel Made
"This relationship demands seriousness. Today you can make one decision: I will be serious with God."
Study the history of revivals and you will find that every awakening began when people became very serious about God, with deep meditation and deep repentance. When people became casual, lives were ruined, His name was mocked and His worship was taken lightly.
Open your Bible to Daniel 1:8: "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself."
This is the theme verse of our Decision series, and today, in Part 3, we come back to it. Some decisions shape your whole life, and some affect your eternity. Today I put one before you: the decision to get serious with God.
What Does Seriousness Mean?
When we say someone is serious about his studies, we mean he is dedicated, focused and does not take it lightly. Seriousness is an honest intention, a firm desire and a deep commitment.
As a child I thought being serious meant oiling your hair, wearing glasses and keeping a grumpy face, and I have always loved to joke. But there is one area where joking does not work. Being serious with God means I do not take this relationship lightly, and it will show in my actions.
When someone is serious with God:
He understands that sin is sin, and "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).
He puts Jesus above everything: above his family, his desires, his dreams and his ambitions.
He has a deep respect for God's commandments.
He makes his relationship with God the most important relationship in his life.
Every Decision Has One Foundation
The foundation of every decision a believer makes is this: I must give glory to God.
If I keep watching something full of abuse on YouTube, abuse will come out of my mouth too. In my entertainment, I will ask, "Is God glorified here?" In my giving, tithe, savings and investments, I will ask the same.
Daniel: A Picture of Seriousness
A disciplined prayer life
When Daniel knew the decree had been signed, he went to 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" (Daniel 6:10).
He was a young captive in Babylon under great pressure to live their way. The most powerful king of that time could not make him bow. Daniel bowed before God.
His prayers showed that whatever the circumstances, God sits on the throne. "Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings" (Daniel 2:20-21).
Set apart
Under great pressure, Daniel held on to his principles and consecrated himself to God's plans.
Hungry for understanding
Daniel prayed for wisdom, revelation and understanding. People say, "I had a dream. Tell me what it means," but they will not pay the price to fast, pray and search the Word themselves.
An intercessor for his nation
Daniel prayed for his people and confessed their sins (Daniel 9). When we stop wanting others to be saved, it shows how far we have drifted. Many live in homes where the Lord's name is mocked, and they go quiet. But if you are serious with God, how can you stay quiet?
Unshakable under threat
A law was passed so that Daniel could not pray. He knew it could cost him his life, and still he prayed, and the lions did not eat him.
A witness before kings
Daniel pointed kings to the true King in heaven. We see the fruit in Daniel 4:34-37, when Nebuchadnezzar blessed the most High.
Gifts used for God's glory
Daniel used his gifts for God's purposes, not his own glory. I recently told my team I will not ignore the gifts God gave me. I had stopped playing the keyboard, and our worship was going well without it. But I bought another keyboard, because it is part of my commitment.
How Seriousness Changes Everything
When I become serious about something, more of my time and resources go into it. Then:
Priority: God comes first. Even when I am tired, I say, "This matters to me."
Responsibility: I hold myself accountable for why I did what I did.
Goals: I set time markers so I can measure my growth.
Clarity: My decisions become clear and aligned with God's plan.
Discipline: The things that distract me begin to fall away.
Endurance: My capacity to face difficulty grows, and even my defeats become lessons.
Serious With God and Serious for God
Some think, "I pray and go to church. That is enough." But there must be a balance. My prayer moves me to serve, and my struggles in service drive me back to prayer.
Serious with God
It starts with your personal relationship. Be intentional. I always dreamed of village living, where you greet everyone you meet, so now I live like that on purpose. I even remembered the name of a waitress's son. Be intentional with God too.
That relationship needs quality time, not just time. If a phone notification distracts my prayer, I am not satisfied. Since childhood my father used to tell me that the mind is like eight horses running in different directions, and you have to hold it and lead it to one place. The more time I spend with Him, the more I let Him search my heart, and my values and character change.
Serious for God
Then I will serve, reach people, give, win souls and read the Word to apply it. "Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22). The blessing is not in hearing but in doing.
"To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts" (Hebrews 3:15). The worst thing is to be in the right place and not make the right decision. If you have grown loose or lost your fire, you can make a commitment today. Say it: "Lord, I decide to be serious with You."
Go Deeper: I Have Decided
Getting serious with God is the first of the five decisions I write about in the book. This Decision series is drawn from my book I Have Decided (Hindi: मैंने निर्णय लिया है). Anchored in Daniel 1:8, it leads you into five life-changing decisions: to get serious with God, become a vessel of value, invest your life in Him, live with unshakable faith, and serve Him wholeheartedly.
English eBook (Kindle): I Have Decided on Amazon
Hindi eBook (Kindle): मैंने निर्णय लिया है on Amazon
English paperback: I Have Decided on rdmglobal.org
Hindi paperback: मैंने निर्णय लिया है on rdmglobal.org
The Decision Series
Part 1: Why Decisions Matter: Every Choice Is a Verdict on Your Life
Part 2: How to Make Right Decisions: Nine Keys From God's Word
Part 3: Serious With God and Serious for God: The Decision Daniel Made (you are here)
Part 4: Invest Your Life in God: Your Life Is Worth More Than Money
Part 5: The Decision to Become Valuable: Don't Live a Worthless Life
Part 6: The Decision to Live in Peace: Receiving God's Shalom
Part 7: The Decision to Live by Faith: Learning the Language God Understands
Part 8: Created on Purpose: The Decision to Live an Intentional Life
Part 9: The Decision to Serve God: Let My People Go That They May Serve Me
Previous: Part 2: How to Make Right Decisions
More Teaching Series
The Mystery of Open and Closed Doors: Start with Part 1: The Stealer of Joy
Marriage in the Lord Series: Start with Part 1: Marry Only in the Lord
The Lordship Series: Start with Part 1: Is Jesus Your Lord or Only Your Savior?
Declarations
I have decided to be serious with God.
My relationship with God is the most important relationship in my life.
Every decision I make is built on one foundation: God must be glorified.
Like Daniel, I purpose in my heart that I will not defile myself.
I will pray, seek understanding and stand firm whatever the circumstances.
I will not stay silent about Jesus.
I will use my gifts for God's plan, not for my own glory.
Stay Connected & Grow Deeper
Watch the full message: Part 3 of the Decision series on YouTube. Please note that the message is preached in Hindi.
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