In 1 Peter 3:14-17 we have instructions from the Lord about
how we are to live in a culture that is in opposition to our faith in Christ. “But even if you should suffer for
righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be
troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being
prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope
that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good
conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good
behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing
good, if that should be God' s will, than for doing evil.”
As you know, the NT tells us that the OT was written for our
instruction and for an example to us in our Christian lives (1 Corinthians
10:6, 11). Well, in Daniel 6 we have a great example from the life of Daniel of
being willing to suffer for our faith and also seeing those who oppose us “put
to shame.” Daniel remains faithful to God despite the efforts of his opponents
and for this he is thrown into the lions’ den, even though the king very much
does not want him to be killed. Even this pagan king, Darius, knows that Daniel
worships God and he hopes that God will save him from the lions. You know the
end of the story. Daniel is saved and those who have schemed to have him killed
are killed themselves in the den of lions.
For you and me this story stands as a challenge to live for
Christ completely. We must “honor the Lord as holy” in our hearts and live in
such a way that others will see the a true hope in us, just as Darius saw hope
in Daniel and his God. People around us are watching, wanting to see if what we
say with our mouths is shown in what we do with our lives.
Prayer: Father, we need your grace always to live in such a
way that others will know we worship you. Help us to humbly recognize that we
are always on display as trophies of your grace and how we live casts a
reflection on you. Give us the strength and the courage to be faithful, just
like Daniel.
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