Daniel in the Babylonian Den
Theme of the Week: Two Worlds, One Lord
Ajith Fernando
Thursday, July 8, 2004
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Key Bible Verse: But Daniel made up his mind not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king (Daniel 1:8). Bonus Reading:Daniel 1:8—21
The biblical example of Daniel in the Babylonian king's court contrasts with two unbiblical approaches adopted by many Christians today. The first improper approach to society is isolation. Some Christians say that because society is evil and against the kingdom of God they won't get involved in it. But with that method we cannot fulfill Christ's call to be "the salt of the earth." The second approach to society is accommodation. Some Christians say that they can't help accommodating themselves to society.
Daniel is a great challenge to the practice of accommodation. He was fully immersed in a pagan culture. He worked hard and succeeded in society. His is the approach of obedient involvement. Those who hold this view claim that because this world is created by God, the best way to live in it is by following the instructions of its Creator. By their life and witness they challenge the witness of the world when it opposes God's wisdom, and they demonstrate that God's way is indeed the best way. They go into the world with a confidence born out of their belief that God is its Creator.
—Ajith Fernando in Spiritual Living in a Secular World
Adapted from Spiritual Living in a Secular World (Kregel, 2002) by permission.
My Response: Which approach (isolation, accommodation, obedient involvement) characterizes my life?
Thought to Apply: Man does not live for himself … but also for all men on earth; nay, he lives only for others, and not for himself.
—Martin Luther (church reformer)
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Lord, enable me to serve Your Kingdom in Heaven by serving others in my community here on earth.
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