Being a true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ is not easy.  It requires that we die to self and die to sin.  It requires doing what’s right when all around us are giving no regard to God or giving Him only lip-service.  Our lives are not to mirror the world.

The Book of Daniel records that King Nebuchadnezzer had a pride problem.  He had a 90 foot gold statue made of himself and then told all the people of his kingdom that they must bow down and worship the idol.  In his kingdom, however, were three young men who loved God and were forbidden by His commandment to worship anyone or anything other than the One True God.

In due time, the order was given, “When you hear the sound of the music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.”  The disobedience of this order had dire consequences. “Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.” The faithful young men could have come up with many good excuses and seemingly worthy justifications for following the king’s order.  Shouldn’t they honor their earthly ruler?  Perhaps they could fall to their knees, but not REALLY worship this image, just LOOK like they were complying.  Who would know?  Perhaps, then they would live more days to tell others about the One True God.  After all, how would all these unbelievers ever have hope of eternal salvation unless they lived to tell them?

So the stage was set.  But, when the music sounded and all the people fell with their faces to the ground before the image, three young men yet stood. King Nebuchadnezzer was furious but gave them one more chance saying, “…if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace.  Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” The three young men, bold in belief and full of faith in God, replied this way, “We do not need to defend ourselves in this matter.  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 still will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Did you catch that?  They knew that even if their understanding of the circumstances was faulty, their God was still perfect and worthy of their devotion and the sacrifice of their very lives, if required.  They would not compromise truth for anything! They did not try to find “wiggle-room” in God’s Word.  They gave their lives and futures entirely to the Lord.  They trusted fully.  They obeyed fully. You, too, must decide whether or not you will serve the Lord Jesus Christ.  Commit your life to Him today.  Trust in Him with all your heart and soul!  The cost is high, but Jesus is worth it all!