Ten times better than the competition! 

(Dan 1.17-21) 

When 'average' is less than it used to be, what does it take to be 'better' than even the best of that which was before? And why should each generation be better than that which was before?

When someone talks about the great advances we are seeing in our time with technology and knowledge, I respond that the tribute is due to a very few. The majority of our population knows less than did my father and his generation.

One only has to watch the 'man on the street' interviews done by such notables as Jay Leno to witness the appalling ignorance of the general public.

That there are a few among any gathering of a thousand people who understand quantum physics and string theory; and a few among a random sampling of a thousand people who would be able to name the disciples of Jesus or tell you a chronology of Old Testament prophets or even key players in Biblical stories and events.

There wouldn't be any greater percentage who could identify on a blank map the countries of Central America, or Africa, or mid-Asia.

The majority could probably could tell you who Paris Hilton is or what movie stars like to adopt African children, although they probably couldn't pinpoint on a map exactly where in Africa those kids are from.

The majority of people in the 'developed' world are barely more than functionally literate and have a philosophical basis for life developed by television and pop culture.

Daniel 1:17. "To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds." 

When the farmer was told by the admiring visitor from the city that God had certainly given him a beautiful farm, the farmer replied , "Yes, but you should have seen it when He had it by Himself."

Daniel and his friends were the recipients of great knowledge and understanding in much the same way and gifting as God blessed the farmer.

Daniel, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah - transcended the pathos of the Persian Empire over a couple of centuries, achieved greatness and contributed in their own ways to the furthering of the kingdom of God.

It took diligence and excellence to negotiate and survive the Babylonian and Persian empires. Those qualities are no less necessary today for the furthering of the kingdom of God.

God will indeed bless those who are willing to apply themselves diligently.