Does the World Move You?
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego. But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”
Daniel 1:6–8
It’s easy to see that we are surrounded by a culture that is increasingly hostile to Christianity. Core truths that were once taken for granted are now challenged. Those who believe and publicly state what the Word of God clearly declares are labeled as hateful and bigoted. Christian businesses and religious organizations are being sued, and often losing, simply because the owners and employees are trying to follow their faith in their daily lives. Great pressure is brought to bear on the followers of Jesus Christ to change our long-held beliefs so they align with the current morally confused beliefs of our society. Many have tragically dipped their sails and abandoned the truth.
The challenge we face is not unprecedented. Throughout history God’s people have been surrounded by hostile voices. Daniel and his friends were taken to Babylon as captives and put into an intensive training program designed to break down their old loyalties and beliefs, and shape their thinking to conform to the values of Babylon. Though many young people from many nations had succumbed to that pressure, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah did not. As a result, they made a difference for God even in the midst of a heathen culture. Someone well said, “The men and women who have moved the world have been the men and women the world could not move.”
Daniel 1:6–8
It’s easy to see that we are surrounded by a culture that is increasingly hostile to Christianity. Core truths that were once taken for granted are now challenged. Those who believe and publicly state what the Word of God clearly declares are labeled as hateful and bigoted. Christian businesses and religious organizations are being sued, and often losing, simply because the owners and employees are trying to follow their faith in their daily lives. Great pressure is brought to bear on the followers of Jesus Christ to change our long-held beliefs so they align with the current morally confused beliefs of our society. Many have tragically dipped their sails and abandoned the truth.
The challenge we face is not unprecedented. Throughout history God’s people have been surrounded by hostile voices. Daniel and his friends were taken to Babylon as captives and put into an intensive training program designed to break down their old loyalties and beliefs, and shape their thinking to conform to the values of Babylon. Though many young people from many nations had succumbed to that pressure, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah did not. As a result, they made a difference for God even in the midst of a heathen culture. Someone well said, “The men and women who have moved the world have been the men and women the world could not move.”
Today’s Growth Principle:
Only by standing firm for what is true and right can we make a positive impact on the world around us.
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