A MAJOR KEY TO KINGDOM INFLUENCE IN BABYLON

By Axel Sippach

"But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine..." Daniel 1:8

God raised up Daniel in the Mountain of Government in Babylon to become the most trusted adviser to the king. Daniel had his standards - his convictions that he would not compromise. He would not allow himself to be defiled - polluted by Babylon. He was "in" Babylon - but he would not be "of" Babylon.

As we apostolically navigate the mountains of influence in society - it is of utmost importance that we set our standards and have our convictions that we will not compromise. Without doing that, the salt will lose its flavor and will have no lasting Kingdom influence for King Jesus at all.

It will take great apostolic wisdom to know how to move in certain circles, and to understand in what areas you can take liberty in, and in what areas you absolutely refuse to take liberty in because your personal convictions will absolutely not allow you to.

So while you may participate in some functions to build relationships for Kingdom influence, you may also say no to "dressing the part" in order to fit in. So while you may feel like you stand out like a sore thumb in the crowd, perhaps it is that that will actually get you noticed as people ask you why you are not conforming.

And a gracious answer can turn away wrath and offense. So wisdom is incredibly important so that you still gain access but without compromise. If it is demanded of you to compromise your convictions, then perhaps that is not the right open door for you, and you must look for another way in.

We are living in Babylon but we do not have to compromise our convictions with Babylon in order to have influence to change Babylon. The Kingdom of God is an everlasting Kingdom - it endures forever and it will fill the whole earth.

Find your mountain - your place of Kingdom influence. But set your standards and let the Spirit of God give you your convictions.