Daniel verse 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… 5 And the king appointed for them 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… 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…”
Here is an example of a group of young men who were brought into enemy country with the sole intention of being corrupted and converted to a different culture and belief system. “But Daniel purposed…” In spite of his unfavourable situation, Daniel held on to what he knew was right and quickly excelled to the top of his group of peers. He was not influenced by his surroundings but rather was very influential himself. The king was more impressed with Daniel and his friends than any other students.
Although we are not captives in a hostile land, we are bombarded constantly with ungodly beliefs by a world with an agenda to corrupt our Salvation. But if we resolve in our hearts to live holy lives and be influencers rather than be influenced, God’s favour and guidance will bring us through our trials and our faith will become stronger because of it.
