Do not eat the bait
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2Bible Reading
Daniel 1:5-7
5 The king assigned them daily provisions of the royal food and wine. They were to be trained for three years, after which they were to enter the king’s service. 6 Among these young men were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 The chief official gave them new names: To Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
The king offered the best food in the world. It was free. It was delicious. It was prestigious. Most students would have lined up for seconds. But Daniel saw what others missed. He saw a hook. He knew that if he ate the king's food, he could become the king's man. He knew the soft comfort of the palace could be more dangerous than the hard stones of Jerusalem. This is a serious lesson for student success. The enemy rarely comes with a stick. He often comes with a carrot. He comes with the offer of easy. Cheat on the test. It is easy. Skip the class. It is easy. Join the party. It is fun. But greatness is never found on the easy path. Academic excellence is found in the discipline of denial. It is found in saying no to the good so you can say yes to the best. The king wanted to change Daniel's identity. He gave him a pagan name. But Daniel knew who he was. He was a servant of the Most High. You may be in a secular school. They may call you names. They may try to shape you into their image. But remember whose you are. You are not defined by your degree. You are not defined by your student loans. You are defined by God. Do not eat the bait. Keep your head clear. Keep your heart pure.
Action Point
Identify one comfort that is hindering your academic progress. Is it video games? Sleeping in? A toxic relationship? Stay away from it this week. Replace that time with study and prayer. Show yourself that you are not a slave to your appetites.
Prayer Point
Lord, give me the spirit of Daniel. Help me to see the traps of the enemy. Give me strength to say no to the king's delicacies. I want to be fed by Your Word. I want to be defined by Your truth. Keep me sharp. Keep me holy. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Reflection Point
Am I trading my spiritual birthright for a bowl of academic pottage? What compromises am I making to fit in at school?