The core message of the story of Daniel is that God is in control. Daniel was taken to a country which was hostile to his faith and his culture, but he still lived boldly for God and this story is relevant to us today. Powerful entities and interest groups strive for our attention and our buying power. Just as Daniel's environment militated against his faith, so ours often does today. Daniel resisted the temptation to culturalise and adopt Babylonian beliefs and customs, in spite of the fact that this nearly cost him his life. He remained faithful to God and chose not to conform. We can learn from his courage as we make our own choices in seeking to live for God and communicate our faith to those around us.