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Intention

To resist the temptation to cave into the standards of the surrounding culture.

Scripture

“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.”

– Daniel 1:8

Reflection

There are many ways people can become defiled, including from a lack of sexual integrity. The pressure to cave into the standards of the surrounding culture is always with us. And it becomes even worse when we are strangers in a strange world.

Once the West shared in good measure biblical values, including a high view of marriage and sexual faithfulness. Sadly, those days are long gone. Like Daniel of old, we now live in a hostile culture, a foreign land. Daniel had to resist the temptations all around him, as he sought to remain pure and act as a light bearer.

We must do the same today. We are in our own Babylonian captivity. It is imperative that we do not compromise while we live in exile. From the outset, Daniel and his friends determined to resist such capitulation. There is much that we can learn from them.

We see our nation continuing to decline, whether it is an erosion of sexual integrity or any other area. The believer is meant to be a witness to the world. The believer is meant to stand out and be different. In the book of Daniel, we see this decision to stand firm and not compromise more than once.

Recall also how Daniel’s three friends refused to bow down to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image (see Daniel chapter 3).

And other biblical characters can be mentioned. Consider Joseph, who also found himself a stranger in a strange land.

He too had decided ahead of time not to defile himself. So, when Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce him, he did not hang around to discuss it or argue about it. Instead, he fled (Genesis 39:12)! These biblical examples are there for us to learn from and emulate. May we seek to be like these great saints of old.

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Prayer

Lord, we thank You for giving us the ability to love and serve You, by the power of your Spirit. And that includes being able to resist the siren calls of the surrounding culture. You enable us to be true salt and light, which is not only good for us and our families, but good for our nation as well. Help us to be mindful of our duties in this regard. Help us to live like Daniels in a dark and needy world. Amen.

Author Bio

Bill Muehlenberg ministers as an apologist and ethicist in Melbourne, Australia. He was one of the main drafters of the Canberra Declaration. Bill is a prolific author and a much sought-after media commentator. Bill teaches ethics, apologetics and theology at several Melbourne Bible Colleges. He hosts his blog called CultureWatch.

Prayer Points and Purpose for October 2024

1. Revival and restoration of sexual integrity to renew the individual, revitalise marriages, restore families and protect children. Hebrews 13:4
2. Revival, repentance and reformation of Australia. 2 Chronicles 7:14
3. Revival, repentance and reformation of America. 2 Chronicles 7:14
4. The Lamb that was slain may receive a reward for His suffering. Revelation 5:12

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