Are you a Citizen of Heaven or of this Earth?
It's possible to be in this world without getting caught up with it. “No ship sinks because of the water around it but it does sink because of the water that gets inside of it.” – Pastor Mike Signorelli
Similar to Babylon, secular society shows no mercy and if you are susceptible you will be infected. But as Pastor Mike teaches, Daniel was the perfect example of how to carry yourself when thrust into a culture and custom that is not in line with your beliefs.
For example, you can go into a public school but not get infected by any demonic agendas or mindsets going on in that school. The same goes for social media. You can have social media and be immensely blessed by godly content if that’s what you choose to follow but if you are seeking out evil, that is readily available as well.
Do Not Copy What You See
The human brain has mirror neurons, which are brain cells that fire up when a person performs an action or observes one. We are biologically wired to replicate what we see. As a Christian, scripture is clear that we should keep our focus on God and godly things.
In the last three generations, there have been studies conducted and statistically, people are now identifying as LGBT more than ever before. A lifestyle that was once hidden and recluse has become very prevalent and people replicate what they see. Regardless if it is the trend of the day or not, the Bible is clear on the issue of sexuality, stating that any sexual interaction outside of a covenant agreement between one man and one woman is a sin.
So what can a believer do? Christians must remember this world is not our home. In Daniel chapter one, Daniel was chosen by the king to be an Israelite in Babylon and learn their language. Daniel refused to indulge in the king's foods and decided to fast instead. That in turn transformed him and gave him the strength to remain set apart unto God even though surrounded by debauchery.
“Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.” Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.” – Daniel 1: 3-16
Cut Abnormalities in the Kingdom
There are some abnormalities that churches have adopted into Kingdom culture that are not of God. The enemy tries to replicate godliness but then twists it with corruption. Believers need need to cut abnormalities and normalize Christian behaviors - Such as praying, fasting, purity, casting out demons etc.
What should be normal is tormenting demons not compromising with them. Purpose yourself not to leave the church but to instead leave your evil mindset behind. Make up your mind to not fear people, but rather be afraid of God. As Christians, we are no longer citizens of this world. Are we like Daniel, preserving the sacred ways of heaven here on earth?
Later in Daniel 5, we see, because Daniel was non-compromising he was the only one who could read a message that God Himself had left for the new corrupt king. King Belshazzar was now in power and he threw a feast where he was overindulging in his riches, and desecrating holy items from the temple by drinking out of the temple's goblets. The hand of God appeared and left the king a warning. Because Daniel could read the inscription on the wall he was honored and even then he told the king he was not interested in the king's rewards.
You can not colonize where you have been compromised. Daniel was incorruptible because he would not bow and even in his old age he still would not.
Do Not Compromise
Religion has done a good job at removing things but a relationship with Christ replaces those things with redemption and righteousness. It is possible to be in negative environments and not be infected by them. Humanity was born into a spiritual battlefield and just like there are human spirits, there are angels and demons, God and the devil. We must resist evil and keep our focus on where we are from, citizens of Heaven.
Another thing to look out for is tolerance. Maybe you do not engage in evil things but whatever we begin to tolerate, can also communicate acceptance. The most loving thing to do is to tell people God's instructions from the Bible, it is our “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.”
The first step is, certainly, to love people where they are but after salvation, if people don't conform to Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul instructed the elders to send those people out of the church. In a Babylonian culture what is wrong has become right so a godly standard must be upheld.
During his series “Fast Food,” Pastor Mike made it clear that there is no such thing as “individual truth.” Only God's truth is what remains. Salvation is not the absence of good works, it is the empowerment of them. After salvation, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit brings conviction that leads to the sanctification process. If you are walking with the Lord, sin will begin to offend the Holy Spirit inside of you and truth is the only thing that remains.
“The truth that you know will set you free” – John 8:32
Today is the day to stop being a compromising Christian. Into his old age, Daniel kept being antagonized by the same demon to bow to the spirit of the age, but he was not willing to ever compromise.
Now the question is, who is willing to trade Western culture or Western Christianity to fully embrace the Kingdom of Heaven?
About the Author
Jeannie Ortega Law is a chart-topping singer, evangelist, media personality and author from New York City. She can be reached on social media: @JeannieOrtega or emailed at Info@JeannieO.com
At V1 Church we believe in teaching Bible-based relationship principles so that you can your family can be strengthened. Connect with us using one of the links below – we’d love to see you and help you walk through the process of reconciliation.