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. Daniel 1:8
The
Jews prepared their foods in keeping with the Levitical laws. It had to do with how the meat was killed,
what kind of meat was eaten and to whom the food was dedicated (usually to other
gods).
Daniel
wanted to preserve the Jewish food preparation laws (called “kosher” today) and
keep himself focused on what it means to be Jewish. By refusing the Babylonian food, he and his
friends refused to be immersed into the Babylonian culture.
We
too allow the world to seep into our hearts, slowly making us more worldly and
less spiritual. Many of these choices
are small choices, that seem unimportant at the time, but after a gradual
accumulation make a big difference, slowly misdirecting us miles away from God.