KEY SCRIPTURE: Daniel 1:8 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore, he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

We learned some time ago the word church is the Greek word ‘Ekklesia’ which is coined out of two Greek words, ‘Ek’ which is out of, and the word ‘kalio’ which also is to call. This gives the meaning to the word Ekklesia as the called-out ones.

Every Christian has been called out of the world. Whenever we do the things people of the world do which is contrary to the word of God, we defile ourselves and by that, we destroy God’s import of separating us from the world.

The word ‘church’ could also mean the separated ones. This is the meaning of the Greek word for ‘Holy’ or ‘Saints’. That is Hagios (1 Corinth. 1:2). If you are a child of God then you are a Saint or a Holy one. You should not defile yourself with what the world sees nothing wrong with yet the Father hates it.

It was nothing wrong for the Babylonians to eat from the King’s table but to God, it was an abomination. That was the food offered to the idols. It was a way these people fellowshipped with their demon spirits. How could the man with the spirit be party to such a thing. 2 Corinthians 6:14 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”

In our modern times, it is very normal for a man and a woman to live together under the same roof. Men call it cohabitation. Yet God says it is a sin and defiles both parties. Speaking lies via mobile phones is almost becoming universal. Please this is unacceptable to God and you a Saint of God. In our key scripture, Daniel passed the test with distinction. He purposed in his heart not to defile himself.

This is what you must do:

1. Know who you are. You are a saint. A holy man or woman

2. ⁠Decide you will not defile or make yourself impure by that sinful way

3. ⁠Stay by your decision

The result was God’s approval and honor. Daniel and his friends became healthier, wiser, and handsome ten times than all those who ate the food from the King’s table. Take a stance for God and your life will be ultimately promoted far higher than your peers.

CONFESSION: I have decided by the grace of God not to defile my holiness with the ways of the world. I do not have any challenges from the appeals of the flesh or the world because my mind is made up and cannot be turned in another direction.

FURTHER STUDIES

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world.

1 John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.