Pastor John’s Blog

Standing up for one’s beliefs can get tough when no one seems to share them. It seems easier just to compromise and blend in than to stand for something that might be perceived as controversial and unpopular. But God is not concerned with whether or not we’re popular or if we feel any level of social discomfort. He wants us to stand by our beliefs irrespective of how others might react. The Book of Daniel tells the story of three young Hebrew men that were taken into Babylonian captivity. Nebuchadnezzar the King had ordered that at the sound of the music all people bow down to the golden statue that he had made and worship it. As the music sounded everyone, perhaps hundreds, thousands or tens of thousands, bowed before the statue, but these three young men stood out by remaining standing. If ever there was a time for them to compromise their belief it was right then for the penalty of disobedience was to be thrown into a burning furnace. Upon hearing of their social disobedience the king summoned them, warned them and gave them one last opportunity. Their reply captures their unbending conviction: “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you.¹⁷ If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.¹⁸ But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up” (3:16-18, NLT).

After their brave speech they were thrown into the fire, but God honored their conviction for they were unharmed, and as the king looked inside the furnace he saw a fourth man in the oven that looked like the Son of God. This caused Nebuchadnezzar to praise God! You see, when we do not compromise two things happen. First, God stands with us. And second, God is glorified as others take notice. Therefore, if today you are feeling the pressure to compromise your beliefs, don’t. Ask God for help and then take a stand. You will be glad you did!