Shine on!

Let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up. — Daniel 3:18

Ashpenaz, a high court official in ancient Babylon, was committed to banishing any testimony of Israel’s God from his kingdom. His strategy focused on young leadership from the captive Hebrews. Ashpenaz gave the captives new names to honor the pagan gods of Babylon. This made sense to him, because their original Hebrew names honored their God (Dan. 1:6).

But the life choices of those captives were a far more powerful witness than any label put on them. When faced with a literal trial by fire, the young men would not bow down and worship the golden idol. Instead, they accepted the punishment of being cast into the fiery furnace — confident in God’s sovereignty and care (ch. 3).

Do you know unbelievers who try to pressure you to fit in with their lifestyle? If you don’t party with them, follow a questionable business practice, or laugh at an offensive joke, do you get the cold shoulder? People may even call you names because you won’t run with their crowd. But when you’re rejected because of your loyalty to God, you can live in a way that honors the Father.

It doesn’t matter what others call us. How we live our lives before God does. What’s important is that we always let our light shine. — Dennis Fisher

Never mind what others call you —
God alone knows every heart;
Character is all that matters —
Lord, to us this grace impart. — Hess

READ: Daniel 1:1-6

A small light can dispel great darkness.

The Bible in one year:

• Numbers 15-16
• Mark 6:1-29