The Stand

Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”

- Daniel 3:4-6

In the book of Daniel we see three men facing quite the conundrum: fall onto their knees and worship an image of gold, or stand for their own beliefs and be thrown into the fire.

This conundrum is painfully relatable for Christians living in the 21st century. While the consequences may not be as intense, I think most Christians daily face decisions similar to this one. In small ways, we’re often forced to decide between falling to our knees and worshipping the world, or standing for Christ.

We face minor choices: participate in workplace gossip, or be a voice of loving truth; watch the latest TV shows, or fill our minds with pure thoughts; indulge selfishly, or love sacrificially.

And, so often our minor choices lead us to big, important decisions. Our small choice to stand for what is right begins to train our hearts to resist the temptation to fall to the world. It’s easy to write off every day sins as “not that big of a deal,” but wisdom teaches us that every day we are training for those big “Daniel Chapter 3 moments” - where the consequences will be bigger, and the choice to stand will be much more difficult.

Today you might just be saying no to a flirtatious conversation; but one day it might be choosing to not fall into an affair.

Today you might be saying no to a small financial decision; but one day you might be choosing to not fall into financial ruin.

Today you might be saying no to an impure thought; but one day you might be choosing not to fall into an addiction.

We must be training our hearts and minds to stand in the small moments, so we, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, will not fall to the things of the world in the big “Daniel Chapter 3 moments”.

The famous quote by Alexander Hamilton rings true: “Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.” We must allow the Spirit to train us to stand for Him, so we don’t fall for every fleeting impulse the world tells us matters more.

Where in your life do you need to start training your heart to stand? Where are you falling to the world?

Small falls lead to eventual ruin. We must choose to stand. We must choose Christ in the moments where the world seems a lot more appealing.

One of my favorite Hillsong United songs - “The Stand” - is an anthem for those of us who want to emulate the kind of faith shown in Daniel 3:

I'll stand

With arms high and heart abandoned

In awe of the One who gave it all

I'll stand

My soul Lord to You, surrendered

All I am is Yours

May this be our fight song. When the world is telling us to bow - may we respond with these words: “I’ll stand. My soul Lord to You, surrendered.”

In the face of sin, together, we stand.

Cristina Schmitter

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