Study 4
by Charles Tan
Text: Daniel 1:3-7
Dear Young People,
DON’T IGNORE THE NATURAL GIFTS THAT GOD HAS GIVEN US
The Babylonians had captured Judah, and many of the people had to flee for their lives. Some however were brought to Babylon, to be trained to serve in the Babylonian government. What were the things that the Babylonian authorities were looking for? Consider the following statement. They were looking for…
“Young men in whom there was no blemish, but good looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability (that is, “potential”) to serve in the King’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.”
If you were to look at the list of the qualities that the Babylonians were looking for, you would realize that some of the things were “natural gifts” that most of you actually possess!
1. You have youth on your side (“young men”)
2. You are “good looking” (Often, this is a reference to good health, rather than aesthetics)
3. You have basic intelligence (reference to wisdom, knowledge etc)
Don’t ignore or despise the natural gifts that God has given to you! Seek to develop every gift that God has endowed you with!
TRAIN YOURSELF TO BE A GIFTED PERSON
No matter how naturally gifted a person may be, he must be trained! Natural gifts must be given coaching or instruction or they will never reach their full potential.
This was the Babylonian thinking. They realized that the future of their empire depended on the way they train young people who have lots of potential in them!
Do you sometimes resent having to spend long hours in school? Do you sometimes wish school was lots easier?
May I suggest that you should give education another careful look! A good education system was what was offered to Daniel and his friends. Without a good education, they would never go very far! They may have all the natural potential, but if they are to peak at the right time, they will need to submit themselves to a very rigorous training programme.
The Babylonians were looking at people “whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans (does that remind you of your “second language/ your mother tongue?). Daniel and his three friends availed themselves of the opportunity that presented itself to go for further education! They were correct and wise!
WOULD YOU PRAY FOR A GOOD ATTITUDE TOWARDS YOUR STUDIES?
Take time to read the Lord’s Word carefully. Let the Scriptures challenge you to pray for a better attitude towards your studies. Emulate the example of Daniel and his friends!