Day 35 | Drawing our Red Lines

Reflection

The pressure must have been immense. An unhinged king sets up a stunning 90-foot golden statue, adds a splash of the most beautiful music ever heard, and says everyone has to worship it. Everyone who is someone is there at the grand unveiling, and they will all be watching you. And just in case you decide to say ‘No thanks’, any non-compliers will be thrown into a blazing furnace.

Predictably, most people worship the statue.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, however, do not. They get busted and find themselves before the king and his entourage. He’s furious but gives them a choice: ‘Worship the statue and we’ll forget this ever happened. Don’t worship it, and the fire will consume you like kindling’.

The heat was on, yet their response was as cool as the other side of your pillow. They’re polite, but they’re clear. There’s a lot they had gone along with, like serving within an oppressive regime and having their own ethnic names replaced with pagan ones. But they drew the line at this. They would rather burn than worship anyone other than the one true God. They made a decision and nothing would dissuade them.

Perhaps your factory, classroom, or street is a bit like that kingdom. And like those three young men, you need to draw some red lines. Maybe you already have? ‘I won’t allow defective goods onto the lorry.’ ‘I won’t look at that porn clip everyone has gathered around.’ ‘I’m not going to slag off that neighbour… even though their parking is terrible.’

Making the decision to be faithful in the coolness of the barracks makes it easier to remain faithful in the heat of the frontline.

Responding in Prayer

Holy God, life is a gift from You. But living in a world that is amazing, yet fallen, is complex. We need Your help – help us know where to draw lines, and the courage to hold our nerve in the heat of the moment. Help us to make good decisions. Grant us Your courage to do the right thing when it counts.