Life: Stand courageously

• The Bible Studies for Life lesson for Nov. 1 focuses on Daniel 3:13-18, 26-28.

After preaching downtown at a men’s shelter, I was surprised to find a gift on my windshield courtesy of the city police—a parking ticket. I had parked in a loading zone, but when I parked, it was well after the enforcement time on such a zone. Basically, I didn’t deserve the ticket.

Several hours of research with the city code confirmed my suspicion. I should not have been issued the ticket. After waiting a few days for the ticket to show up in the system, I donned a coat and tie and proceeded to the city’s parking control office. The police officer behind the counter was courteous, but after hearing my story, she quickly passed my summons on to someone else. Sure enough, I was right. I beat the parking ticket. I stood my ground and won.

Taking a stand for God may be more precarious. Will you be able to stand courageously when something more important than a $35 parking ticket is on the line, like your faith or your life?

Your commitment to the Lord often will cause clashes with the world (Daniel 3:13-15)

King Nebuchadnezzar issued a decree to bow to the image he made. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused. The description of the image suggests a tall and narrow monument akin to an ancient stele, with the text leaving the impression a depiction of Nebuchadnezzar himself topped off the structure.

When the king learned of the refusal by three of his subjects, he became enraged and summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He explained the choice they faced—either bow down to the image or die. Here was a last chance to change their minds about bowing down—an offer of grace.

Who can turn down an offer of grace, especially an offer of grace that allows one to be like the rest of society? Join in. Participate. Just a bow, a curtsy, a little obeisance is all it takes. No life-altering adjustments needed in order to comply.

How does our society clash with our commitment to Jesus? I’m not addressing stories you may have read in the paper or seen on the evening news. This lesson needs to come home to each individual. How do Christians live their lives differently today in the face of a society dictating everyone must fit in?

My grandmother loved Clark Gable. She saw all his movies, except one—Gone with the Wind. It had that word in it. Today, we celebrate if the only moral flaw in a movie might be that same word Rhett Butler uttered at the end of the picture.

I’m not advocating shunning every movie, but I am asking if there is something you won’t see? Or will you watch anything? Too many Christians today even have embraced pornography.

What about politics? Will you support any candidate your political party nominates? What about society’s incursions into Sunday? Will you let just anything pull you away from weekly worship?

You must stand against a hostile world with immovable faith (Daniel 3:16-18)

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego committed a small act of rebellion. They refused to obey the king—an act of defiance. In no way would they bow down to the king’s image. They took a stand with their faith despite the circumstances. Even if their situation ended in their own deaths, they would not bow. They would not bend. They would stand firm.

These three men stood their ground. The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:14 states, “Stand firm.” As Christians, there is no new ground to win. Stand firm on the ground Christ won, and do so in his power. Stand firm remembering the three in the fiery furnace who did not buckle in the literal heat of the moment. Stand firm regardless of the outcome. God always is faithful (2 Timothy 2:13).

Honor God by loving him more than your own life (Daniel 3:26-28)

The image of the king was a reminder to the Jews of their defeat at the hands of the Babylonians, but their defeat was in battle only. God was God and still in control of the Jews, the Babylonians and the world. For three men, God was all they needed. Their lives were spared, and everyone who witnessed their rescue gave praise to God.

What are you willing to lose for God? Are you willing to lose your life? Are you willing to lose your healthy bank account? What about letting your children go to Mexico or the Middle East for an extended mission trip? God grants us the wisdom we need to know when to take a stand of faith and how to take that stand.

Back to my parking ticket. After taking the time and energy to have my parking ticket dismissed, I realized I had defended my rights successfully. I also realized the dictates of wisdom: Park in another place. Although I have a right to park in that spot, I will park further down just to avoid the hassle of fighting another parking ticket. Standing firm necessitates wisdom from above as to when to stand and when to park a few feet further down the street.