Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the peoples, nations and men of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. (Daniel 3:7)
I'd like to tell you a story about three men who refused to bow down - you know them - I mention them often - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They wouldn't compromise their beliefs and their faith was solid. They knew that bowing down to the image Nebuchadnezzar had built was wrong. They refused. They ended up in a fiery furnace because of it. They stood their ground and God stood beside them. He was pleased with their commitment to Him. He protected them.
What happens when we "say" we believe, we "pretend" to be Christians and we do what we want??? Often, nothing. Many wander through life as mimicking Christians - they do not change, they do not praise, they mumble words of emptiness to God and don't have the first clue as to who He is. Pray for these people, for they are headed down a path that is sure to follow the path of fools. They may end up in that fiery furnace without the protection of the King.
Be genuine, be truthful. Don't speak from both sides of your mouth. If you are a Christian, act like one - make the changes necessary in your life that say without any doubt that you belong to God. You cannot pretend when you stand before Him. Call on the name of Jesus - He will answer! He will protect you. Ask for the strength to walk the path of the righteous, not of the enemy.
That broken heart you carry is evidence that God walks with you. Wear it well! You have earned it! Continue to fight off the temptations of Satan and the demons he brings with him to bury you! He cannot win if you stand with Christ. Walk away from the temptations and stand firm against those who worship anyone other than the Creator. Those false gods come in many shapes and sizes. You will know them by their lack of real beauty. They may glitter and they may shine - but they are nothing compared to the power and majesty of the King! They cannot offer you what Jesus offers you...eternal life! So, be strong and steadfast like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - and you, too, will not be burned in that fiery furnace. You will stand high on the mountain tops and be counted in the inheritance of a King!
