Do you think “common sense” is usually right or usually wrong? The answer is trivial at first glance. But the story of Daniel in the Bible reminds me, as a Christian, that “common thought” may not be the right thought that delights the Lord. When Daniel was brought into the service of the king of Babylon and demanded to follow pagan customs, he determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine the king gave him. Yet, he did not express his unwillingness in a confrontational manner. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat the unacceptable foods instead. “Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water, ” Daniel said. “At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see.” The chief of staff agreed to his idea. It let me see that “not be conformed to the pattern of this world – Romans 12:2” is not easy. We need not be afraid to take a stand for what we know is right and true but do so respectfully and humbly. We may be able to test and approve what the Lord’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.