Several years ago, my husband and I made the decision not to purchase cable TV. The benefits of our decision went far beyond saving money. In fact, having recently lived with a family while building our new home, we discovered what we hadn’t been missing. We knew the toxicity of television, but now with everyday access, we saw in high definition the brazen sexuality and carnal worldview that permeates many commercials.
Trapped in a foreign culture, Daniel knew firsthand the challenges of life in a society steeped in sin. While his story teaches us how to remain pure and prayerful regardless of what others around us are doing (Daniel 6:4-12), the events that brought him to Babylon hold lessons as well.
Though they had been warned by God’s prophets for years, the people of Israel chose idolatry above their love for Him. They knew how to perform their rituals, ask for His intervention, and speak the right words, but their hearts remained in love with the secular culture (Isaiah 29:13).
Daniel was different, however. A member of the remnant taken into captivity, he didn’t choose to live in Babylon, but he did choose to live differently while there. He saw not only the sin of the pagan society to which he had been transported but, more importantly, he recognized the compromise that had infiltrated the people of God. Because Daniel cared about God’s standards more than his own need for comfort or entertainment, God not only spoke to him but gave Daniel “insight and understanding” (Daniel 9:22).
The same opportunity is available to us today, and our ability to rise above an unholy culture begins with repentance.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 4:23-37
More:
Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 to understand how our separation from the world’s way of thinking is directly connected to our intimacy with Jesus.
Next:
In what ways can we become numb to the influence of secular media? How can we discern if our media choices have become a place of idolatry?
ehdlive on October 12, 2013 at 1:03 am
A life transformed in Christ, which does not yield to compromise but retains its purity amidst this sin-marred world, is a powerful testimony that emits light to humanity and brings glory to GOD.
daisymarygoldr on October 12, 2013 at 10:47 pm
Good post, Regina! The word “decision” in your opening sentence is the requisite for being “different”. It requires a conscious decision on our part to not copy the behavior and customs of this world (Romans 12:2). Since God has placed us in this world, at every crossroad Christians need to choose to not be defiled with the things of this world.
Daniel was determined not to defile himself with the delicacies of the Babylonian king (Daniel 1:8). It is not the same as us refusing to watch TV at the cost of being looked down as uncool. This Hebrew teen living in captivity as a POW, risked his very life by choosing not to conform to the pattern of that pagan culture.
Why did Daniel choose to live differently? It was because of his love for God, Daniel obeyed His command to not eat unacceptable food (Daniel 1:8). For his commitment to purity, God blessed Daniel to not only excel in language and literature; He also gave him insight to understand the deep spiritual things of God.
The Holy Spirit reveals the deep secrets of God to all those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9-10). Today, in a culture steeped in Christian liberalism how can a person stay pure? By obeying God’s word (Psalms 119:9). Scriptures do not specifically say anything about the influence of secular media. Then how can one discern what is unholy?
Stay away from anything that stimulates the lust of the eyes and offers a craving for physical pleasure, possession or position. These are of the world and not from the Father (1 John 2:16). If we keep ourselves pure, we will be a special vessel for honorable use—for the Master to use us for every good work (2 Timothy 2:21).
austin on October 14, 2013 at 8:40 am
Not to mention, TV is incredibly boring…