Daniel drew a line in the sand. Daniel 1:8 says, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank…” When did he purpose? Long before he was placed in a compromising situation.

We live in the world but we are not to be part of it. Romans 12:2 says to not be conformed to the world’s standards. 1 John 2:15 says, “Do not love the world or the things in the word…”

Philippians 2:14 says, “Do all things without complaining and disputing.” We know from Numbers 11:1 that complaining displeases the Lord and brings harsh consequences.

Verse 15 says, “That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” We are called to be light bearers. 

Romans 12:2 J. B. Phillips says, “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould…” Complaining is infectious ~ as well as gossip.