Dangers of Defiling Delicacies

Living for God in Ungodly Times - Message 2 - The Dangers of Defiling Delicacies. King Nebuchadnezzar had a long term view of conquest. He did not simply desire to conquer and rule the known world. His plan was a plan of generational dominance. When he besieged Judah and attacked Jerusalem, he specifically ordered the capture of the brightest and best - those of royal descent, influential, good looking, and from prominent families. Among those taken were Daniel and his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They were isolated, indoctrinated, and given new identities. Part of the process included their being given Babylonian names and instructed in the worldview of a pagan society. Another measure taken to assimilate them was to change their diet. They were offered the best food available at the time - food from the King's Table. They ate like royalty. This living the privileged "high life" was seen by Daniel as his friends as a compromise. To accept this provision would be to accept that which would desensitize them to their captivity - they were after all, slaves. It would also blunt their conscience as they sought to worship God alone. Sin is seductive. It appeals to our pride and our selfish lusts. To fulfill these lusts dulls our sensitivity to the Spirit of God. A life of ease is a serious danger to the life of faith. The defiling delicacies of the world are all around us, seducing us daily to follow the broad way away from the narrow path that leads to life. So what are we to do? What did Daniel do? Daniel purposed in his heart to do what was right. He would not defile himself. He would glorify God. He would be holy.