Daniel 1:3-5 (NKJV) — 3 Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, 4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king. 

Judah was being assimilated into Babylonian through the indoctrination of Daniel and the other teenage captives. Each day we are indoctrinated by the culture around us. Pastor Weston said on Sunday that we need to be aware of corrupted values and avoid being assimilated into the world around us at the expense of our convictions in Christ. 

What are some ways the culture around us indoctrinates our perspectives and begins to assimilate us into the world? 

How can you be aware of and protect yourself from culture’s natural indoctrination?

Daniel 1:11-13, 15 (NKJV) — 11 So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.” 15 And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies. 

Daniel showed wisdom when addressing the official’s request. Wisdom maintains the proper sequence of authority, always putting God first while respecting the authority God has placed over us. Daniel and his friends honored God and had great faith that God would provide for them, even though it would have been easier to follow those around them. These young men knew that God has power over everything: kings, rulers, nations, health, abilities, idols, time… everything!!  

What is an area of your life or a perspective you have where you struggle to put God first? 

When have you lacked the wisdom to appropriately respect those around you while you were trying to put God first?