Nearly every day we face situations that question and test the principles we believe. We must choose between doing what pleases God and what appeals to our own selfish desires.
Officials of the Government may be tempted to accept bribes and to make dishonest decisions. Employees are sometimes asked to rearrange numbers or falsify reports. Even students face temptations such as cheating and plagiarism.
These “principle-testers” are good indicators of how committed we are to serving God. They help us to see whether we are serious about the truthfulness and reliability God expects of us. We know that choices we make will have good or bad consequences, but the real test comes when we must decide what to do.
How do we protect against making the wrong decision? It is through our faith and trusting God to take care of us as we choose to do what’s right, regardless of the outcome.
In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego (friends of Daniel) found themselves in what seemed like an impossible situation. A decree was set that at the dedication of a huge golden image, which Nebuchadnezzar had made, all the people must fall down and worship the image. The consequences of not doing this were for one to be cast into a furnace of blazing fire. What a choice to have to make! Yet, the decision was obvious to them. They were NOT going to bow down to the golden image. They dared to disobey the king because they trusted God. They said, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire . . . But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O King, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Daniel 3:17-18). The King went on to get angry, heat the furnace seven times more than usual and throw them in it but God delivered them. The point remains clear, however, that the only choice to be made was whether they would follow God or not.
When we face tough choices or matters that test our faith, we too can do the right thing — and leave the consequences with God.
— Shane Williams