When I read today’s verse, I can’t help but think of Ecclesiastes 11:9.

You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.” (NIV)

At first glance, the verse appears to say it is okay to do whatever you want to do. However, on the day of judgment, we will have to answer to God for the choices we make. In other words, every choice we make matters.

Daniel and his friends knew this. Today’s verse tells us that they decided to make choices to glorify God, rather than themselves.

God knows we aren’t perfect. But He also knows our hearts.

He can tell whether we make poor choices because we don’t care about our relationship with Him, or if we simply have temporary lapses in judgment. He knows if our choices come from the desire for sin, or if we are just immature in our knowledge and faith.

I pray that today’s verse, along with this verse from Ecclesiastes, affect how you make decisions. Because every decision matters.