going to college in Babylon

Dave Stone's sermon today dealt with a familiar text. I've taught on Daniel 1 a bunch of times-- a great passage in its own right, especially for its applications for college students. As a young man, Daniel and his friends are taken to the rough equivalent of a Babylonian college-- accelerated (only three years) but presumably more intense (with a "major" in changing one's worldview).

There are so many things to say about this chapter, but I'll limit myself to two new insights I gleaned today from Dave and the Spirit.

In verse 12, Daniel's diet proves successful. Why? I can think of three explanations (or some combo): 1.) science and nutrition; 2.) a supernatural blessing from God (in their avoiding idolatry, etc.); and 3.) the direct and indirect benefits which accrue from embracing spiritual disciplines (they weren't as "soft" as their peers).

I've often noted the importance of Daniel accepting the Babylonian language and literature, but refusing the king's meat and wine diet (1:4, 5, 8). Daniel neither accepts all that Babylon offers, nor rejects all of it. From this morning, I noticed that his "compromise" was in the area of the mind while he refused to compromise with his body. In contrast, many Christians are isolated intellectually and afraid (even though they worship Truth), but are willing to compromise on matters of the body. Daniel seems to call us to a different approach.

May we aspire to Daniel's example as described in Daniel 6:4-- that he was neither corrupt (sins of commission) nor negligent (sins of omission).