Discerning Critics or Undiscerning Consumers?
By Justin Pratt, Clear Springs Baptist Church Senior Pastor
Being raised in a godly environment and then forced to live in godless Babylon forms the foundation of the story recorded in the Bible in the book of Daniel. In Babylon, the pressures of culture were intense. The music, education, food, entertainment, and even the language were all designed to reshape convictions and rewrite identities. However, amidst this culture stood four young Hebrew men: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. They refused to allow their souls to be influenced by Babylon’s ways. When offered the king’s delicacies, they recognized that it was more than just food on a plate; it was a test of loyalty. Their refusal was not merely about diet; it was a matter of discernment.
As a father of three children, all under the age of fifteen, I often feel that I am raising them in a modern-day Babylon. Not because they are enslaved or government property, but because they are growing up in a world where entertainment, media and education all convey messages and values that are intentionally designed to subtly reshape their beliefs. From streaming platforms to social media algorithms, the enemy is crafting cultural pipelines designed to feed directly into the hearts and minds of our children. Systems have been put into place, carefully engineered to shape their thoughts before they know how to think for themselves. This is not random. It’s strategic. The world is not just entertaining our children, it’s educating them, indoctrinating them in philosophies that are opposed to God. If we as parents, grandparents, and spiritual leaders never teach the next generation to guard their minds, something or someone else will teach them to surrender it.
The question is not whether our children will engage with culture; they inevitably will, just as Daniel and his friends did. The real question is this: Will they do so wisely? Will they be discerning critics who evaluate everything against the truth of God’s Word, or will they be uncritical consumers who accept every message presented to them, even if it conflicts with God’s kingdom?
Our role as parents, pastors and mentors is to equip young people with the truth rather than isolate them from culture. Although we know little about Daniel’s parents, it’s clear they were influential in shaping his convictions and courage. His bravery in standing up to Nebuchadnezzar was nurtured at home, demonstrating that the influence of his parents surpassed the surrounding culture. The true heroes in this story may be the unnamed individuals who guided him, enabling him to live in Babylon without allowing Babylon to live inside of him.
Raising children who can thrive in our culture without allowing that culture to shape them is no small task and not for the faint of heart. The pressure to conform is relentless, and the pull of the world can be strong. God is seeking mothers, fathers, pastors and mentors who will do the faithful and often unseen work of instilling convictions before crises arise.
I’ve learned that while we can’t shield our children from every negative influence, we can consistently prepare them. This preparation ensures that when their own challenging moments arrive, they will be anchored in truth, rather than swayed by trends. Our calling is to raise a generation capable of navigating the culture without losing their identity in God. This means teaching them not just what to believe, but also why they believe it. It involves showing them that holiness is not outdated, that having convictions is not cruel, and that truth will always prevail over compromise. Culture will attempt to define, distract and discipline them, but it doesn’t have to be the loudest voice in their lives. It can be our voice, echoing God’s Word and shaping hearts that love Him more than the world.
Preparing the next generation will require time, energy and intentional effort. However, like Daniel and his friends, if we invest in their preparation, they will be ready to stand strong in a world determined to reshape everything that God has designed and destined them to be.
