FRIDAY, JANUARY 29
Scripture: Matthew 7:3-5

The next thing we must do is to follow the example of Daniel, Mishiael, Hananiah, and Azariah in rejecting those things that the world has to offer which are not beneficial for us in body, mind, or spirit. We have to separate ourselves from the world and not partake of things that would corrupt. If we are indulging in the immorality of the world, we have no power to speak against those things in which we are partaking. If we frequently get drunk, we have no power to pray deliverance for someone fighting alcoholism. If we are in bondage to sexual sin, we have no power to pray against the pornography industry or sexual lies pushed by some in a corrupt educational system. How could Daniel, or any of his friends, properly counsel Nebuchadnezzar in the ways of righteousness if they themselves did not seek to be exemplars of righteousness? Never has the world been more attuned to the quick detection of hypocrisy. If we aren’t living what we preach, we will quickly find our authority melting away in the face of worldly ridicule.