WendJ

Daniel was taken captive and stripped of his nationality, name, status and posterity being made a eunuch. This was Babylon's master plan to take the best captives and make them better to serve the best rule, Babylon. For Daniel these changes were outward. His stand revealed that he kept his name, 'God is my Judge', inwardly and did not submit in worship to the Babylonian king or their gods. He would not eat the king's rich food which would display defilement of his conscience and infidelity on his part: feasting on Babylonian food and enjoying the finery of culture and pagan worship. Daniel's resolve shows that he pledged allegiance to the true God and would worship Him alone, even in his new position as a servant to the king.

I've experienced culture change many times as I'm a missionary. My feelings are always (1) of deep gratitude to God for His love of people...He loves us no matter where we live or what our heart condition and (2) I'm always overwhelmed by the vacuum of lostness, whether its an opulent culture or stark poverty. Practicing my faith is demonstrating His love...wearing His humility...listening...embracing the people...speaking truth. People respond to love even if they walk away in unbelief, they never forget that you loved them inspite of.