More than one American family has had their spat over a remote control device. We love to be in control, to push all the buttons, to mute others when needed, to turn others up or down. There is something about this modern television device that says a lot about us. In the first chapter of Daniel we find a young man who found himself in a new and foreign culture that was totally out of control. We live in a world much like Daniel’s; that is, one that is out of control. We live in a culture that is increasingly opposed to what we believe and one that is busy at work to re-educate young minds away from traditional moral values.
What advice does Daniel have for us today? He lived in such a culture. From the first chapter of the book that bears his name he leaves us three principles which, when put into practice, can enable us not only to exist in the pagan culture, but actually engage it with the message of Christ.
I. Principle #1 — don’t give in — be resistant (vv. 1-8)
The tendency is to give in to the culture around us and to go its way. Sadly, this is happening today, even in the church. How did Daniel resist his culture that sought to change his language (v. 4), his literature (v. 4), his lifestyle (v. 5), and his loyalties (v. 7)? He drew the line where God drew the line (v. 8)! He went along with the Babylonian language and literature because there was no strong biblical prohibition regarding it, but he refused to eat the king’s meat because, in the Jewish dispensation there were strong biblical injunctions regarding it. He drew the line with the word of God.
II. Principle #2 — don’t give up — be consistent (vv. 8-16)
The tendency is to be overcome, overrun by the culture and simply to give up on trying to hold biblical principles in the marketplace. But Daniel was consistent in his actions (vv. 12-13). The single characteristic of those who succeed is consistency. Joseph was in an Egyptian dungeon, but he didn’t give up; he remained consistent in his commitment to his dream. Paul was in a Philippian jail, but he didn’t give up; he remained consistent to his calling. Daniel is telling us it is not enough to simply be resistant; we must also
be consistent.
III. Principle #3 — don’t give out — be persistent (vv. 17-21)
I love those words in verse 21, thus Daniel continued. Yes, for 70 years he didn’t give in, he didn’t give up, and he didn’t give out. He outlived Nebuchadnezzar and his entire empire, and God used him to engage his culture and make a difference in his world.
Why is it that we so often give in, or give up, or give out? Could it be because of the remote control syndrome, that tendency we have to want to control everything? God was in control of Daniel’s world (vv. 2, 9, 17) and the same God is in control of our world. Perhaps you need to hand over the control to Him today. Let Him have it. He has not abdicated His throne. He is Lord!