By Lisa Wilmore
Dear Hearts,
There are times when life brings us to a question of standing tall for what is right, or bow low to pressure, fear, or injustice. This was the same question that the Hebrew boys faced in the Bible, and centuries later, by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Both examples show us what it means to choose to do the right thing over compromising your beliefs.
Particularly, in the book of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were commanded to bow down to a golden statue set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. Everyone else bowed, but they refused. They chose to stand tall, even though the consequence was to be thrown in the fiery furnace. In their moment of courage, Scripture declares, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it… But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:17–18 NIV). Their courage was not based on the outcome; however, it was based on their faith. They were thrown into the fiery furnace, but God delivered them. As a result, Nebuchadnezzar asked, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?… Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” (Daniel 3:24–25 NIV).
Today, the world may not demand we bow to statues, but it often pressures us to bow to convenience, culture, or fear. Whether it is staying silent when we should speak up, or going along with what we know is wrong; the temptation to bow is real. But like those who came before us, we are called to stand. So, ask yourself when the moment comes, will you stand tall or bow low?
We must never forget our history of standing tall and not bowing low to the standards set by others who are opposed to those because of the color of their skin. Point of reference: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in the face of racism, violence, and injustice, also chose to stand tall. He could have chosen silence or safety, but instead, he stood on the front lines of the civil rights movement.
Standing tall may be costly. It may mean standing alone. But it also means living with integrity, faith, and courage. In doing so, we become part of a long legacy of people who choose truth over fear and justice over silence. So, ask yourself if you are willing to stand tall or bow low? Standing will please God.
Jesus Saves!
