Taking a Stand for Christ

Taking a Stand for Christ

“More Americans also are turning away from Christianity and are seeing themselves as unaffiliated with any religion or as religious ‘nones,’”...Members of Gen Z — now ages 11 to 26 — are switching and shunning religion faster as young adults than other Americans. That’s expected to continue.” Russell Contreras

Religious “Nones”
The stats and quotes from an Axios article dated May 16, 2023, are quite concerning and may hint at something far more profound: Yielding to the demands to conform to societal norms. In response, some shrinking churches have embraced some of these societal norms by compromising their faith. Many forget that we should build the church with care and that no one should “lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10-11, ESV). Likewise, we cannot build the church according to our pattern, or with a pattern that conforms to the wisdom of this world, and expect God to bless it.
Paul encourages us in Romans 12:2 to “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (ESV). Moreover, in Colossians 2:8, he exhorts us to “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ” (ESV). At the same time, James minces no words and announces that “friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4, ESV).
With a specific view to addressing the segment of the population shunning religion faster than other generations, being young does not determine your ability to take a stand. Daniel 1:17 describes Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) as young, and yet they took a stand for God against overwhelming odds. Deliberately standing firm and imbuing Godly biblical values means we must be mature in the faith, growing up in all things in Christ so that we are no longer spiritual infants, tossed about by the lies of the world and “every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful scheme. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” (Ephesians 4:14-15, ESV). As with King Nebuchadnezzar, society makes great demands for acquiescence and conformation; a bowing of our knee to the images they have set up. Like then, we face consequences for not following the demands of this world. But this is not a time to shrink back, this is not a time to bow in worship to their demands. In a world where the pervading culture insists on agreement with and acceptance of their position, it can be easy to get swept up and embrace all or even some of their values and belief systems.

Background Context
The first exile of Judah to Babylon occurred in the 6th century. What started as disobedience and rebellion against God, and the subsequent lifting of His hand of protection, resulted in the conquest and destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple. In the previous century, the Assyrians had defeated the northern kingdom of a divided Israel. The Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar, defeated the Assyrians and then lay claim to Judah. In response to a rebellion by King Jehoiakim, and as a means to assert his dominance over and to quell any further resistance by the Jewish nation, Nebuchadnezzar deported a large number of Jews. Scholars believe that Daniel and his contemporaries, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were part of the first deportation.

The Babylonians knew the Jewish people would never acquiesce to their will completely. Nebuchadnezzar knew many would still hold doggedly to their faith and their God. So, “the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans” (Daniel 1:3-4, ESV). In other words, he targeted people of influence, the young, the skilled, and those with knowledge and understanding, and his plan was simple: Draw people away from their beliefs and immerse them in an alternate culture as a way to dispel any resistance. Sound familiar?

Pervading Culture
Today, it is not uncommon to come across a pervading or dangerous culture that permeates society. A pervading culture may come in many forms, but all are intended to draw God’s people away from their belief in Him and into an alternate culture or a perverted way of thinking. But how can one stand against such a culture? One answer lies in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; three youths who stood firm in their beliefs even in the face of adversity.
In Daniel 3, Nebuchadnezzar had an image of gold made. He gathered all people in positions of leadership or influence and commanded them to bow down and worship the image whenever they heard the music being played. He warns the people that if they do not acquiesce, they “shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace” (Daniel 3:6, ESV). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had previously been appointed positions of influence in the province of Babylon, and certain Chaldeans informed the king that not everyone obeyed his decree. The king brings the three men before him and asks whether the rumor he heard was true and whether they serve his gods and worship the golden image he set up. He gives them his ultimatum in Daniel 3:15 “But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?” (ESV). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s answer to the king is profound “...we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18, ESV).
What a powerful testimony! Taking a stand for our Christian faith in a world where our beliefs are not accepted can be challenging, but it is possible to do so with grace, love, and conviction just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did.

Be Firmly Grounded
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had a deep faith in God, were fully grounded in that faith, and refused to waver. It was this unwavering faith that allowed them to stand firm in their beliefs. When faced with the king’s command to worship the golden statue, they knew that they could not compromise their beliefs, no matter the consequences. In the same way, having strong beliefs can help us stand against cultural trends. 1 Corinthians 15:58 encourages us to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (ESV). Moreover, Paul encourages us to imitate him as he imitates Christ and exhorts us to “maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you” (1 Corinthians 11:1-2). Therefore, we should develop a strong understanding of our Christian beliefs through studying the Bible, attending church meetings, and seeking guidance from mature Christians. Not only will a strong understanding help us articulate our beliefs and respond to objections or misunderstandings, but if we also have a clear sense of what we believe in and why, we can resist the pressure to conform to prevailing cultural norms that go against those beliefs. Realize we have been crucified with Christ and no longer live for ourselves, but we now live for Christ. The life we live should be by faith in and through the Son of God (Galatians 2:20).

Spend Quality Time with Like-Minded People
One of the reasons these three friends were able to stand up against the king was because they had each other for support. By banding together, they were able to provide encouragement, support, and guidance to each other to stand firm in their convictions. In the same way, we can surround ourselves with like-minded people who share our beliefs and values, which, in turn, can provide us with a sense of community and the necessary support to resist cultural trends. Not only should we “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV), but we should also be aware of the company we keep. 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 admonishes us to “not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’ Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame” (ESV). Moreover, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 tells us to “not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God” (ESV). Both aforementioned scriptures admonish us to be cautious about the people we associate with or choose as our close friends. The people we spend time with can have a significant influence on our behavior and attitudes. Associating with people who possess positive qualities, exhibit good judgment, and engage in ethical behavior can have a positive impact on our own lives. Conversely, spending time with individuals who have negative traits, engage in harmful activities, or possess questionable morals may lead us astray or negatively affect our reputation and behavior.

Be Willing to Face Persecution
When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to acquiesce, they knew that standing up for their beliefs might result in dire consequences—in their case, they were risking their lives. And yet, they were willing to face the consequences of their actions because they knew they were doing the right thing. In the same way, we should live out our faith by reflecting Jesus’ love, kindness, compassion, and integrity in all areas of our life. Living out in this manner can be a powerful way to influence others and reveal the beauty of your faith. Yet, we must be prepared to face the consequences of our actions if we choose to stand against a worldly culture. Understand that not everyone will agree with or accept your beliefs, and you may encounter opposition and persecution. Be prepared to handle such situations with grace and patience, knowing that you are ultimately accountable to God (Hebrews 4:13, Romans 3:19, 14:12, Matthew 12:36) rather than to the opinions of others. Jesus faced opposition and rejection during His time on earth, yet He remained steadfast in His mission and demonstrated love and forgiveness even to those who persecuted Him. Reflect on His example and seek to emulate His character in your own life. John 15:18–21; 16:33 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me...I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Paul echoes Jesus’ words in 2 Timothy 3:11–12 when he says “My persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” (ESV).

Be Respectful in Dialogue
While we need to be open to discussing our faith with others, even if they hold different beliefs, we must engage in respectful conversations, actively listen to other perspectives, and share our views with kindness and humility. Remember, people are more willing to listen to you if you share your faith respectfully and lovingly. Colossians tells us to “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:5-6, ESV). Taking a stand for your faith does not mean being confrontational or forcing your beliefs on others. We cannot stand on the neck of someone as a means to convert them to our way of thinking or for the right to live our lives as we choose. Instead, we should live out our faith authentically, engaging in respectful dialogue, and being a positive example of Christ’s love in the world. Your goal is not necessarily to convince others to adopt your beliefs by any means necessary, rather share, answer questions, and leave it to the Holy Spirit to convict and bring to repentance.

Rely on God
Despite the great personal risk they were taking, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego trusted God to guide and protect them. They knew that no matter what happened to them, God was in control. This trust allowed them to face the fiery furnace with courage and conviction and is a powerful reminder that we can trust in God when we take a stand for Him. While there may be consequences, we know that those whose identities are found in Christ Jesus will conquer and overcome through him who loves us (Romans 8:37). Prayer is a powerful tool for seeking guidance, strength, and wisdom. Spend time in prayer, seeking God’s guidance on how to stand firm in your faith while also showing love and respect to those who may not agree with you. Psalm 37:5 “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” Trust in God’s provision and rely on His strength to navigate challenging situations. Isaiah 26:4 “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock” (ESV).
Daniel 3 tells us that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were bound and thrown in the furnace, which was so hot, those casting them into the furnace died. Later, Nebuchadnezzar sees “four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods” and then even he acknowledges “for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” (Daniel 3:25 & 29, ESV). Therefore, the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is a powerful reminder that it is possible to stand against a pervading culture. By staying grounded and rooted in Christ through being true to our beliefs, finding support in like-minded individuals, being willing to face the consequences through respectful dialogue, and relying on God, we can stand firm in our convictions and make a positive impact in the world. Just like God was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace, we know too that God walk with us in our proverbial furnace. In Matthew 28, Jesus commands that we “make disciples of all nations...teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20, ESV).
-written by Valeta Baty