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What Would You Have Done?
“WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE?”
It has been suggested by many commentators that Daniel and his friends were teenagers when they were taken into Babylonian captivity. If, as a teenager, you were taken to a foreign country for the rest of your life, what would you have done? If you were offered the opportunity to live, not as a captive, but among the elite of the nation, what would you have done? Many of us would probably be tempted to compromise our faith. Daniel and his friends never wavered in their faith and devotion to God.
First Test: Eat of God-forbidden foods. Immediately, we read that Daniel and his friends were given daily portions of delicacies and wine from the king’s table. Daniel and his friends refused to compromise and ate only vegetables and water that God commanded. We know in the end that they were found to be healthier than all the magicians and astrologers of the country. Doing things God’s way is always the best way. What would you have done?
Second Test: Bow down to a gold image. The decree was given that everyone should bow down to the golden image when the trumpets sounded. Daniel’s friends refused and did not compromise their faith. For their devotion, they were thrown into the fiery furnace only to be saved by God. Going along with everyone else was something they would not do. They served and worshiped God and Him alone. What would you have done?
Third Test: Fame, wealth, and power. Belshazzar offered Daniel a purple robe, a gold chain, and a high position in his government. Daniel refused the gifts and the position of power and remained true to the message of God. When the time came, Daniel delivered a message of doom to the king. Daniel did not compromise on his belief in God. What would you have done?
Fourth Test: Stop praying and hide your devotion. Many became jealous of Daniel and plotted a trap to have him killed. They convinced the king that praying to anyone but him was punishable by death. Did this stop Daniel? Did he hide and stay away for the prescribed time period? Daniel went home, opened his windows, knelt down, and prayed to God. He did not compromise. For breaking the law, he was thrown into the lion’s den. What would you have done?
Daniel and his friends were tempted to compromise their faith in the Lord. They remained strong and steadfast in their devotion and loyalty to God. Even a small compromise has great and lasting eternal consequences. What would you have done?
Written by Larry Schneider
