Association. Daniel developed a close community of like-minded faithful friends.These four resisted the lure of unlawful luxuries. Together they refused to bow down to the golden idol. Together they faced the fiery furnace. Their friendship served to strengthen their faith and their resolve in the face of temptation and persecution.
Live Peaceably. Daniel and his friends chose to live peaceably in Babylon. Even when the decree was issued that forbade Daniel to pray to His God, he peaceably went to his room to pray as usual. He lived peaceably under various kings and even kingdoms.
Identity. The names most familiar to us, were changed by their captors. The Babylonians could impose outward changes, but they could not change the identity of these young men. They held fast to God and grounded their identity in Him.
Engage. While Daniel and the others could have refused to participate in the social and political life in Babylon, they did not. Instead, they fully engaged in life where they were exiled. They became leaders in a foreign land!
Non-negotiables. Daniel chose his friends wisely. He lived peaceably in a foreign land. He maintained his identity as a man of God, all the while recognizing and respecting the governmental authorities placed over him. But he also knew what was not negotiable. He and his friends refused to bow to the king. They faced the fiery furnace and the lions' den -- both could have resulted in death! They would not break God's Law by bowing down. They knew the LORD could rescue them from the flames and lions, but the did not have a guarantee that He would. They stood firm anyway.
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The New Testament tells us that we are also 'foreigners'. Paul wrote (Philippians 3:20): "our citizenship is in heaven....." Yes, we too are aliens. Therefore, we can model our lives after the ALIEN Daniel.
Association. We were never meant to go it alone.God created us to live in community with one another and the Church is the Body of Christ. Believers are called to love one another; to live in harmony; to demonstrate to the world that we are Jesus' disciples. We are to serve one another, be kind to one another; and be subject to one another. As Christians, we want to encourage one another and build one another up.
Live Peaceably. Christians are called to be subject to our governmental authorities and to be peaceable and considerate of all mankind (Titus 3:1-2). Though we are aliens in this world, we are in this world and should represent Christ to an unbelieving world. Our homes should be marked with peace. We should strive to have peace in our marriages, with our children, and with our extended family.
Identity. Like Daniel, our identity is in Christ Jesus. We reside in a 'foreign land' but identity should remain tethered to Christ. Believers are all sons of God by faith in Christ (Galatians 3:26). We resist becoming conformed to the world by the ongoing renewal of our minds as we live a life sacrificed to the Lord (Romans 12:1-2).
Engage. Engage wherever you are! Engage in the social, political, and daily life of the community in which God places you. We are scattered throughout the neighborhood, city, and world. Some Christians are in prisons while others are in positions of great power and privilege. Prosper there. Practice good citizenship. Participate in the political process that shapes our city, state, nation. Some Christians withdraw from the world to protect themselves from defilement. Jesus did not live that way; He engaged in the community. Adaptation is not synonymous with conformity. We can become leaders in our communities and workplaces. We can change a business, school, neighborhood, nation by being engaged 'foreigners' with a character that is trustworthy, not corrupt, diligent like Daniel.
Non-negotiables. We have to know where we stand in our faith; what is not negotiable? What is worth sacrificing for? Maybe even dying for?
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