Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego! He sent His angel and rescued His servants who trusted in Him. They violated the kings command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.” Daniel 3:28 HCSB
We live in a world and a culture where it seems that Christians continue to give into the pressures and demands of the majority. Some people do not want to be viewed as a “Jesus freak” or some “religious nut,” so they compromise and accept values that are directly opposed to what God’s Word says. Our culture has said that abortion and homosexuality are acceptable. Sadly, more and more Christians are embracing these standards that are not Scripturally founded. The world says that there are many ways to God and that we should accept all different religions,but Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were willing to risk their lives to follow God’s commands. They trusted in God to take care of them, even if they died in the fiery furnace. There are Christians around the world who are suffering and being persecuted daily as a result of their beliefs and faith in Jesus Christ. Some have even been killed. We too, should be willing to take a stand for what God’s Word says and not compromise our beliefs, even if it means that we will suffer in some way as a result.
Challenge: Pray for strength as you take a stand against the values of a secular world. Do not compromise your beliefs, but instead be willing to take some ridicule and criticism for your convictions. Go to www.persecution.com (http://www.persecution.com/) to learn more about Christians who are facing persecution around the world.