Gold Statues

I think it’s so interesting that no matter how much things change, things stay the same. The world is thirsty for power, because power is access. A last name can get you in rooms where executive decisions are made, and money can get you into the most exclusive tables. However, I have observed that no matter where you fall on the food chain, humans are humans. The desire to get ahead is a powerful drug, one that can blur solid moral lines to obscurity. In the small ponds I have been in, the same face that forms a smile because it is pleased with you, is the same face that will just as easily become distorted from disdain at the sight of you — CC: Daniel 3: 19. When in the line of fire, faces turn away. Today you are promoted because you are useful, and tomorrow tossed out because the higher-ups have placed an indomitable ceiling over your head, and decided that your usefulness has run its course.

So I wonder, what is it like in the ocean where sharks roam free?

If given the opportunity to mute God to get ahead, would you? If you are piss poor and on your last leg, and someone opens you up to world of cash but for a costly price, what would you do? When I roll the dice, will your allegiance remain with God, or will it roll to man (particularly if you are in a wilderness season in your life, and you feel like God has been all together slow in answering the prayers dearest to your heart)?

I am not one to call anyone, irrespective of status my idol but if I did, Daniel and his squad would be at the top of the list. You know what… sometimes I read the stories in the Bible and think what the heck!? because quite frankly these stories seem audacious, yes. But also quite irrational and impractical.

Daniel and his crew were asked to make a choice, and they chose God. A decision that landed them in a furnace. Their integrity placed them in the line of fire, yet they were not phased. I mean this is quite literally a wall-to-wall picture of dying to flesh. The D-crew were not men of convenience, but rather men of purpose. They were not looking for popularity votes, and cared none about status. Their primary focus was serving God, regardless of state or condition.

Isn’t it interesting that the King was quick to acknowledge how great their God was when it suited him.  But once they denied him the pleasure of being ‘worshipped’, switched faster than Bumblebee (a transformers reference ☺️). All of a sudden, its how dare they put that same great God above him, conveniently forgetting that just a few short days ago his mere mortal self, with all his amassed wealth could not interpret his own dreams.

It goes without saying, do not put your hope in man. Man is fickle, and like sinking sand can swallow you up with no regard for past good deeds, feelings or allegiance. Put your hope in God, whether His answer is yes or no. Whether he shows up or not. Whether you feel him or not. Daniel said something so beautiful and profound. I mean when I first read it I thought oh gwash, and again I said, what the heck?!?! but then having a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, and reading this same verse, I thought wow! That is exactly the type of faith I want. Daniel respectfully said to the King, in response to his death sentence, if it be so, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He will rescue us from your hand, O King. 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! I mean…SHUT UP with this bold-faced, audacious, mind blowing, irrational, reckless, jump off the plane with no visible parachute type of faith! Geeeeez!

But really though, you have heard this said before, and I will say it again. If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.  This world offers so many gold statues (all demanding first place in your life), and at various points in your life, you will find yourself at life altering crossroads. As God’s own, His whole armour is your transformer gear. Put it on, and don’t take it off.

Happy monyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

xoxo

picture:- @pinterest