Daniel 1:4 Young men who were healthy and handsome, intelligent and well-educated, good prospects for leadership positions in the government, perfect specimens! - and indoctrinate them in the Babylonian language and the lore of magic and fortunetelling.

The nation of Israel was invaded, young men like Daniel was taken as slaves to the Babylon. The part you always hear is Daniel in the lion's den, the three Hebrews boys in the fire. And finally how they did not spoil themselves with the kings meat.

Looking at the message translation about their selection shows us that, they weren't just selected, it was based on many things.

Number one they were selected because they were from royalty. This clearly shows us, that it wasn't just anybody that was picked. And it wasn't just anyone from royal family. There were requirements:

They must be healthy: this shows that your health is as important as your beauty. If you are not spiritually healthy, no matter what, you are a living dead. Jesus must come into your life in order to have live in you. You also need to look after your physical health, this also is important.

The second criteria is good-looking. This speaks of your outlook, God is looking at the heart, men look on the outward. For you to be accepted in some quarters, you must be good looking. Joseph had to shave before appearing to Pharaoh. Don't say it doesn't matter, because it does. But no matter how beautifully dressed you are, without God's favour, nothing. Salvation is your only guarantee for this divine favour.

The third thing here is intelligence. The word intelligence means, knowledge imparted or acquire either by study, research or by experience. This shows that this guys were readers, they were well informed. They understood that if you are royalty, you need to be knowledgeable. They were well educated.

And finally, prospect: this means, ability to look ahead and see opportunity and  possibility. They were men with foresight. The king of Babylon is not just looking for anyone, but men who possess something that can solve their kingdom problems with uttermost loyalty.

Today, take responsibility to develop yourself. You may not have money to go to the regular school, you can read, research in your field of desire until you have the opportunity. Keep developing yourself, one day, that opportunity will open for you.

Remember, you are royalty, the chosen one, peculiar, holy and have been called to glory and virtue. You are a new creation, opportunity in life belongs to you as the light in the midst of darkness. Keep developing yourself, the world awaits you.

Olanrewaju Niyi