The reward for faithfulness to God is worth the cost.
Scripture: Daniel 1:8-21
Central Truth
Like Daniel and his friends, we always have two options: do what’s easiest or be faithful to God and wait for the reward. Choosing to be faithful to God can be costly—we can lose friends, jobs, scholarships, opportunities, and so on—but the cost of not being faithful to God is far greater.
Key Question
Making the decision to follow Jesus is wonderful but it is also costly. What kinds of things make following Jesus tough? Explain.
Keep in Mind
Influencers are often a big deal to students. When they think of influence, what likely comes to mind is people who have a lot of followers for doing and saying the right things. Unfortunately, what the world often says is right and good is not right and good in God’s eyes. There’s an increasing pressure for people to take a stand on incredibly polarized issues, and it might be difficult for students to know how and what to stand for. From Daniel and his friends, students can learn the importance of filling our hearts with God’s Word and being devoted to Him—no matter what. Students may have a very real and valid fear of being rejected when they stand for God. Be prepared to listen and encourage students to stand strong in their faith to the God who will never reject them.
APPLICATION
Where in your life is it hardest to be faithful to God? Explain how you can grow in faithfulness to God in that area of your life.
THE WIN
FOR THE STUDENT: It’s not always easy to be faithful to God. You may often feel pressured from every side and believe that no matter what you do, someone will be offended—and they might. The truth of the matter is that regardless of what others think about you, God’s opinion is the one that matters. As Paul said in Galatians 1:10, “For am I now trying to persuade people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
FOR THE LEADER: The fear of rejection when we stand firm in our faith is real no matter what age. Be honest with yourself and students about times you’ve struggled. Spend some time praying with students for God to empower you to remain faithful to Him even when it’s tough.
