Compromise as a Way of Escape?

Daniel 3:16-18.

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, conquered Judah and took the wisest men and the beautiful women as captives to his country. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were three young men among them. How ever much the king tried to introduce the religious culture of his land to these men, they stayed steadfast to their convictions.

They refused to bow down to the golden statue of the king. The king gave them one last chance: "If you do not worship the golden image you will be thrown into the blazing furnace, then what god is able to rescue you from my hand?" warned the king. [Dan.3:15]

The young men could have escaped the fire if only they had compromised! Many excuses could have been given: "We will worship now, but we will never become idol worshipers", "This is a foreign land, we should follow the rules of the country", "The king appointed us, we owe it to him", "Others are doing it, we are not hurting anyone" or even "God will forgive us since this is just once so we can escape!" No. They knew the truth. They were fully convinced that the God whom they serve is mighty to save. It is better to be on his side. He is able. Even if He does not save, they were not going to disobey His command and worship any idol. It was a strong determination not to waver from the truth. The answer they gave sets an example to us: "The God whom we serve is able to save us from it and He will rescue us from your hand. But even if does not, we want you to know that we will not serve your gods or bow down to the image of gold you have set up".

The furious king had them thrown into the fire. Amazingly not only were they not burnt, the king saw a fourth man walking in the furnace with these three men! The result: the king decreed that any one who spoke against the god of these young men would be put to death because no other god can save like this. They trusted in their god and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve other gods than Him and He rescued them! The king even promoted them! [Dan.3:28-30]

What a change in the king's attitude! All because the three young boys did not compromise their faith, stood firm trusting the one true God, despite the danger of death. How is our faith? Aren't we often faced with situations where it is easy to say "When in Rome do as the Romans do" and compromise? The steadfastness, fidelity and confidence in God's ability are qualities much needed today.

Make sure that you serve the true living almighty God. Then your furnace will become a miracle which will amaze the skeptics and bring promotions in your lives.