Dare to be a Daniel

Do you remember the hymn “Dare to be a Daniel?” It was one that was very popular in Sunday school, but its message is one any follower of Jesus would want to sing from their heart. One of the refrains says:

Dare to be a Daniel,

Dare to stand alone!

Dare to have a purpose firm!

Dare to make it known!

Daniel was not afraid to stand alone, away from the crowd. While in Babylon, he determined not to eat of the king’s provisions provided for those specially chosen for the King’s service (Daniel 1:8). It would have violated the Law of God and his conscience. He also refused to give up praying to God three times a day, as was his custom, even though a decree had been issued by the king, forbidding anyone to petition any but the king under penalty of death. (See Daniel 6:5-10.) Daniel even refused to compromise the fashion in which he had prayed in the past. He had always prayed before an open window that faced towards Jerusalem. No, compromise was not a word in Daniel’s vocabulary or in his thinking. There was no weighing the consequences, no attempt to justify another course; his only thought was to be true to his God and to his faith.

Most of us probably have had some concern about being different from those around us. It is natural to want to be accepted and to fit in with others. We are not always strong in our conviction to stand alone, when the need arises. The crowd is not just the world around us; sometimes it is those in our own Christian fellowship. Peer pressure is always there, an invisible, and often powerful force.

Conformity is always the easy way out. Do we always stand up firmly, but lovingly, for our beliefs if they differ from others? Or, do we side-step issues, attempting to conceal what we hold to be true so that we will be accepted? If we are comfortable with such a position, the Apostle Paul has a strong admonition for us in 2 Cor. 10:12: “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by them-selves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” Perhaps, we secretly commend ourselves for being a “peacemaker” by not being totally honest; thinking we are keeping controversy at bay by going along with what others are doing and saying even though our conscience is being pricked, but our one desire should be to please only our Lord.

Honesty is the essence of integrity. There is often a cost attached, but we must be willing to pay the price regardless of our natural desire to do otherwise. David wrote in Psalm 25:21, “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.” Solomon wisely admonished in Proverbs 10:9: “The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.”

Another daring incident found in the book of Daniel is the bold declaration of the three Hebrews, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who were taken captive to Babylon along with Daniel. We all remember the story: King Nebuchadnezzar made a huge image and declared that everyone was to bow down and pay homage to it. The three young men absolutely refused to do this. (Daniel was probably on the King’s business and not in the country at that time, since he is not mentioned.) The three Hebrews instantly responded respectfully and without any hesitation. They did not weigh the potential consequences of their refusal. They would remain faithful to what they believed and knew would be pleasing to God. Listen to their daring declaration to the king, who was in a rage at their refusal to follow his dictates. Daniel 3:16-18: “…“O Nebuchadnezzar…If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king, but even if He does not, we want you to know, O King, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Yes, theirs was not only a response of conviction, but also one of trust and courage. Note their words of faith: ”but even if He does not…” They would leave the outcome of their fate to God, trusting Him for either life or death, whatever was His will for them in the matter. These young men had learned that there are some things more important than even life itself. They were convinced that it was better to die, and be in God’s favor than alive and disobedient to Him. What an example this is in helping us to make the right choices!

Let us be daring and faithful in all the challenges that our Father allows to come into our lives to test us, remembering the words of the Apostle Peter recorded for our encouragement in 1 Peter 4:12-13 (TLB): “Dear friends, don’t be bewildered or surprised when you go through the fiery trials ahead, for this is no strange, unusual thing that is going to happen to you. Instead, be really glad—because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterwards you will have the wonderful joy of sharing His glory in that coming day when it will be displayed.” Amazing Promise!

E. Weeks