"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," Daniel 1:8. (Preached at the monthly meeting of the Sovereign Grace Advent Testimony held in New Life Bible Presbyterian Church, Kilburn, London) Obeying God is the very essence of true Christianity. We all know that there is a "Christianity" abroad today that pays scant regard to the Word of God, its commandments and standards. Obedience to God is what distinguishes the true believer from the World. 1 Thess 2:13. Rev 1:3, 12:17, 22:9. Obedience to God's Word is what the Saviour is looking for. "If ye love me, keep my commandments., John 14:15. The word 'keep' means 'to take great care of.' Carelessness with God's Word has no place in the believer's behaviour. Daniel's reverence and regard for God's Word sets the standard for us in this day of departure and declension. We may not have been taken from our homes and homeland as was he but the people of God today are every bit as much under bondage and captivity as was he! The orderly life of a devout believer in Israel with its God-ordained observances of worship was greatly disrupted for Daniel and his friends. So it is for many in this land. They have had to leave churches because of the 'invasion' of ecumenism etc and seek refuge and spiritual sustenance wherever they can find it. But despite Daniel's difficult circumstances, he did not forget God or His Word or use these difficulties as an excuse to forsake the path of holiness.