Seven Observations about Holiness (Dan. ch. 1)

Read Daniel chapter one.

1. Holiness does not always make you feel comfortable.  It requires sacrifice, denial, effort.
2. Holiness begins with a choice, not a feeling.  You might not feel like pursuing holiness, but you are not driven by feelings.  You are driven by the facts of God's Word.
3. The thing you "feed" lives. It seems worldliness gets fed automatically.  Holiness must be fed intentionally.  There is no such thing as accidental holiness.  Accidental morality, yes, but not holiness.
4. Holiness works with people as much as possible.  This requires a firm stand, but never warrants rudeness.  Daniel "sought permission from the commander." (1:8)
5. Holiness leads to a reward.  Keep pursuing holiness (Heb. 12:14). The reward is worth it.
6. You are the only person who can defile you.  Others might violate you, but only you can defile you.  Make up your mind you will be holy.
7. Once you determine what holiness requires, God will how you how to do it.