Would you, could you, should you, dare to be different? I don’t mean showing up at the grocery store with blue hair or going to a public event without a mask. I’m talking about standing for principles you know to be right – even if the majority of people go along with what is definitely at odds with your beliefs?
A classic example of standing for what is true and right is the story of a young man of influence – a chief administrator – named Daniel. He possessed unquestioned ability, integrity, and trustworthiness not found in any other man of his time.
A law was passed in the land that required everyone to bow down, and for thirty days, pray and worship the king.
But Daniel did not cower or compromise. He went to his home to his upstairs bedroom where the opened window faced Jerusalem. Three times a day Daniel got down on his knees, prayed and gave thanks to the God of heaven – just as he had been doing long before the law forbidding such worship was instituted. Although Daniel showed respect and honor to the king his loyalty was to his God.
Daniel dared to be different.
The other government officials were intensely jealous of Daniel. One of the officials said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”
They approached the king. “Did you not sign an injunction that any man who makes a petition to any god or man besides you is to be cast into the lions’ den?” they asked.
The king acknowledged that he had indeed signed the law.
“Daniel prays to his God thee times a day, so according to the edict, he is to be thrown into the lions’ den,” they tattled.
The king was grieved because Daniel was his chief advisor, but he conceded, and Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den.
However, the living God closed the mouths of the lions and preserved Daniel. What happened to the unscrupulous government officials? They, along with their wives and children, were thrown into the lions’ den and met with death immediately. Daniel had been released unharmed.
Then the king decreed that all the people in his kingdom were to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel …”for He is the living God.”
Would you dare to be different? To stand for what you know to be Biblically right and true? Even at the threat of dire consequences? Even if you stood alone?
At some time, you may be faced with a situation where you have to make a choice. If so, choose wisely to dare to be different. You will be blessed. “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29