How to Excel When Going Back 2 School – from the Life of Daniel (Dan.1)
In the third year (605 B.C.) of the reign of Jehoiakim King Judah, King Neuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Judah, and after this the King commanded Ashpenaz the chief eunuch to assemble a group of youth together for education purposes. So Daniel along with several other young men was chosen to serve in Nebuchadnessar’s court (Babylon High). In a sense Ashpenaz was like an instructor/mentor/overseer, and Nebuchadnessar was like the principle. v.1-3
We also see from scripture that each of these students were skillful, knowledgeable, and capable of surviving school. However it is not about simply surviving; it is about how you survive. Often times as students you tend to do just enough to get by, but find yourself unsatisfied with where you are in life, and that is because you are not living up to your full potential. Daniel along with these other students would be cared for and educated for three years. The Bible says that each of them were competent to stand, but have you ever wanted to do more than just stand? I don’t want to just stand, I want to soar. V.4-5
Daniel along with his 3 friends could of easily gone along with the crowd, but they had set in their hearts that they didn’t just want to stand with the crowd, but they wanted to soar/excel above the rest.
We can learn a lot from Daniels example when it comes to Excelling in School.
1. Be competent in your ability to stand against the crowd. v.4 (Phil. 4:13)
2. Form a core group of friends that will be able to support one another. v.6-7
3. Inform a teacher/mentor/counselor/advisor of your desire to excel in school v.8-9
When you seek counsel from such individuals, God will see your desire to change, and will be likely to work in the hearts of that/those individual(s) to have compassion upon you. Some may show apprehension (v.10), however when you prove faithful you will have gained their approval and respect.
4. Determine what areas of your life you wish to advance or excel in. (Physical/Mental/Spiritual)
Daniel wanted to be closer to God, and wanted to grow spiritually, but he also knew that by eating healthy he would not be as sluggish, and it would help him physically and mentally.v.12
5. Prove to be faithful, by challenging individuals to hold you accountable. V.11-14
6. Stay committed to the cause. v.14-16
As a result, they were healthier and brighter than the rest. They were blessed with learning and skill. There was none like them. They were 10 times better than the rest. v.17-20
Reflections:
- What is one thing you can do in your life that is going to make you more confident in your ability to stand against the crowd?
- Name 2-4 core people you could trust in to be your friend and help support you in your decision to excel in your life? Name 1 teacher/mentor/counselor/advisor who would be able to hold you accountable at school?
- What 1-2 areas in your life would you like to see most excel over the next school year?
- What are some ways you can challenge your friends/mentors to hold you accountable?
- What are some ways that you can stay committed to the cause?
