“I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?” (Babylonian King to three Jewish men). Daniel 3:15
What would you do if forced to choose between politically correct pressure and what’s right?
What would you do if that decision could cost you your job, your reputation, or even your life?
Three young men faced this exact dilemma when asked to choose between their faith or politically correct cultural trends. The story began when the King of Babylon built a huge statue of himself and required that everyone bow before it. Well, this caused quite a dilemma for three young Jewish men. Even though they were faithful citizens to the king, to bow before his statue would disobey God. It would be idolatry – breaking the 2nd commandment. So they refused.
The king gave them a choice: bow or be killed in a fiery furnace. Look at their response: “Our God is so powerful that He can save us … but even if He does not, we will not bow to your idol.” Talk about a picture of incredible faith! This is real faith! And this is key: They were respectful but firm; they could not deny their faith even when facing death.
The ultimate religious liberty is to realize that Christ has set us free from enslavement to sin, fear, and politically correct pressure to fit in. And yes, amazingly, God did intervene to save Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego even as they were thrown into the furnace.
The bravery and faith of three young men temporarily changed the life of a king and an entire nation.
So, what would you do if forced to choose between what’s popular and what’s right? Hold onto your freedom in Christ and choose Him even in the face of negative opinions and consequences. Because you never know the impact of living out your faith with love and respect.
What would you choose – faith or fitting in? Loyalty to Christ or political correctness?
May we all follow the great example of these three courageous Jewish men of faith.
Why not today?
Written by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH
