To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
Daniel 1:17 NIV
Daniel was one of the first Hebrew exiles taken from Jerusalem into friendly captivity (if there is such a thing) in Babylon. Separated from his family, he was then forced into servitude and given a new identity and new gods, Daniel was probably only a teenager! He was now living in Babylon, the pagan center of the earth.
Did Daniel completely reject his new lifestyle? Did he argue with his master and refuse to learn? No! Amazingly, there were only a few areas where Daniel refused to compromise: he would not bow down and worship any other god or eat food that had been offered to idols.
We live in a type of Babylon, too. We’re surrounded by anti-God behavior, customs, pop culture. As a result, it’s easy to be offended by just about. . .everything. Everyday language is flavored with swear words, television shows mock our faith, schools introduce curricula that make us cringe.
Surprisingly, God didn’t tackle every single issue in Babylon. Instead, He picked Daniel’s battles for him, and Daniel was greatly used in the midst of a pagan culture. Not indignant or antagonistic, but compassionate and seeking the best for his captors.
Can we be Daniels in our communities today?
Lord, show me how to seek Your wisdom and discernment while picking my battles so I can love those who oppose You.
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Today’s reading was adapted from Daily Wisdom for Women: 2013 Devotional Collection with permission from Barbour Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading was written by Suzanne Woods Fisher.