Daniel lived in faithful obedience to God even in the heart of Babylon. Following God wasn’t always easy for Daniel, but he remained faithful. Last week we saw that Daniel knew his boundaries and committed to speaking truth. What else can we learn from Daniel about living faithfully in a faithless world?
Key #3: Pursue Faithfulness
Daniel eventually became one of King Darius’s top advisers. Other court officials became jealous of Daniel’s favor and began to look for an accusation they could bring against him. The only thing they could find to charge Daniel with was that Daniel was faithful to his God.
Sisters, let’s let faithfulness be the only accusation the world can throw at us. The world loves watching Christians stumble. And we do. Watch the headlines as leaders stumble or open their mouths and say things that make us want to throw something at the T.V. We blow it sometimes. We know we’re only human, that we mess up sometimes. But when those who have publicly called for morality and truth are exposed in their own sinfulness, it invalidates everything they’ve said in the eyes of the watching world. Look, he’s just another hypocrite. Can’t believe anything he says. Acts so holier-than-thou, but he’s just like the rest of us. At least I’m honest about who I am.
Yeah, the world’s watching. And no, there’s not one of us who is perfect. But let’s cultivate faithfulness. Show that we value our marriages and our families. Speak well of one another. Live with integrity. Practice hospitality. Be honest about our struggles and always, always, testify about the great redeeming grace of our Lord. If they’re going to accuse us of anything, let it be that we have loved Jesus well.
Key #4: Be prepared for the cost.
Being faithful cost Daniel and his friends. Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den. His friends were thrown into a fiery furnace. God saved them. One of my favorite lines from Daniel was spoken by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego as the king ordered them to worship his statue or be burned alive:
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:17-18).
The God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us . . . But even if he does not, we will not serve your gods. Even if he does not. That line sticks with me. We can read the news and watch the headlines and know that yes–God is able to save us. But sometimes people still suffer. We don’t know the end of our own stories until they are written. Faithfulness sometimes proves costly. Are we prepared for it if it does? God’s faithfulness put Jesus on the cross. Will we be faithful to him?
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5 comments
SO important that we stand strong for our beliefs in God – and for what He says in His Holy Word 😀
What is so incredible about faithfulness is that it is not our own. Even our faithfulness is a grace of His given us by his spirit. How lovely and extravagant is his love for us. May we remain faithful in Him, by Him and not our own strength. Great post!:)
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Yes–it’s all about standing in his strength.
Wow, I want to be known for loving Jesus and for faithfulness to Him. Thank you for your post, Leigh!
Amen–let’s be known for loving Jesus well.
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