We trained our children to identify healthy songs they can listen to. Sometimes they would ask me, “Daddy, is this Jesus song?” before they can listen or dance to songs. So the day came when we stumbled over a ‘safe’ secular song on the TV. We were flowing with the lyrics when my daughter said, “Daddy, this song is not good. The man is putting on earring.” I had to look well to confirm her observation and upon confirmation, I had to change the channel.

Dear friend, do you have enough strength of conviction and value in you that can help you decipher what is right from wrong (Hebrews 5:14)? We are in an age where anything goes. An average Christian does not know where he or she stands on matters of morality and integrity. But God is looking for standard bearers. He is looking for people like Daniel who would purpose in their heart (and actions) not to defile themselves with the perversion in our days (Daniel 1:8).

As you grow and mature in God and in destiny, what is right or wrong for you would no longer be a function of what is sinful or not but what is permissible for you (1 Corinthians 10:23). Others may be saying it’s fine, but your conviction and value say otherwise. When I see a Christian who quickly reacts with the words; “is it a sin!!!” I know I am seeing a Christian who is immature and/or is not prepared to live by highest standards, fulfilling destiny.

I remember that in my growing up years, there were some clothes that God forbade me from wearing. Yes, I want you to know that the issue of the right (or wrong) dress applies to males too. There was a time I entered into a boutique to pick some wears. The Holy Spirit kept telling me, “this is not for you” as I moved towards different clothing racks to make my purchases. He wouldn’t let me rest until I had to submit to Him as He chose the clothes He wanted me to wear for me.

Now, this is not one pastor telling me to stop wearing some type of clothing or about what is written black and white in the Bible. It’s my conviction, values and the operations of the Holy Spirit in my heart that was my guide. Listen, we are in days where if you don’t have a walk with the Lord and strong values, you would be swamped in the muds of distractions around, without knowing.

You need to ensure that you are well grounded in God and the things of the Kingdom. I must celebrate whoever pastored or mentored Daniel and the Hebrew boys before they were carried into captivity. This person must have done a great job on those guys that they preferred to burn than to bow to pressures (Daniel 1:8, 3:16-18). Do you have such strong training and discipleship to stand in our days? May the Lord help us! Amen!

© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria