Studying in This World but Not of This World

The book of Daniel is a good example of how we are in this world, yet not of this world. We are in this world, yet we are connected to the heavenly realms through Christ Jesus. Part of being in this world as a Christian means that you have to ‘stand on business’. In other words, you have to reject anything that would seek to draw you away from God and total reliance on Him.

Daniel and his friends were in a culture that didn’t honour God, yet they thrived spiritually and academically. Why? They remained consecrated.

Daniel refused the royal food and wine (Daniel 1:8, NIV), not because food is sinful, but because in those days, food was not just about nourishment; it was a social affair, and the food had likely been offered to idols. It symbolised compromise and conformity. Instead, Daniel and his friends honoured God, and God gave them knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning (Daniel 1:17, NIV).

What are your “royal foods”? What are the things that make you compromise your allegiance to God?

Is it Over-busyness? Self-reliance? Mindless scrolling on social media?

As you study, be careful of what may pull you away from God and be intentional about remaining connected to the source and giver of wisdom.

James 1:5 (NIV) says that when we ask for wisdom, God gives generously. Stay connected to the source of all understanding. Be in the world but not of it.