Seated at a Different Table
If you have ever been to a plated dinner reception you know that typically it is held in a very large room with multiple tables. Upon first glance all the tables typically look the same but after closer inspection you usually realize that some small number of tables are reserved. The people seated at the reserved table are typically different in some way from the remainder the people in the room; usually they are family or distinguished guests. This is how God views you.
Daniel in the bible understood this concept of being reserved for God well. At this time in history, Daniel was under the reign of king Nebuchadnezzar. The king wanted the best and the brightest men trained for his army, so he selected Daniel and three other men that he thought fit to serve in his palace. He wanted them assimilated into his culture where they would learn the King’s language and eat the Kings food. Daniel requested vegetables, instead of the King’s choice of food because he did not want to defile himself. He wanted to eat of the food that was permissible to God. He requested 10 days to eat the vegetables and then to have them see if he wasn't better in appearance and stronger. After the 10 days of eating Daniel and the three men that the King chose were found to be 10 times better than everyone else (This passage in found in Daniel 1).
Daniel recognized literally what it meant to be seated at a different table. He knew that he could not partake of the same food that everyone in the Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom was eating. He was called to be different from those around him, he allowed his life choices to reflect the God he served. So it is for you. Before the foundations of the earth God called you and appointed you for this time. He chose you. To be different, to eat differently and at a different table. God has called us to be different from the world.
In whatever God has called you to do make the choice that honors him, the way Daniel did. Whether it is giving up a TV show, a certain set of friends that you know don't honor God or saying no to things that go against his word. You are set apart, sitting at a reserved table for distinguished guests. You are eating on another level and in a different place. You have to let go of the things that hold you back from where god has called you to because there are people that will be led by your example. God chose you to be seated where you are, but you must choose to remain. Do what honors him and like Daniel God will give you favor and make you better for it.