With the election just days away, tensions run high with concerns about election integrity, frustration with people who don’t intend to vote at all, and more. I personally will be glad to see the end of political emails and text messages I never signed up for and donation requests thinly veiled as a “survey.” (I depend on my email for work, and deleting literally hundreds each day to find what I need is beyond annoying.)
Regardless of the election results, many people will likely find them disappointing, perhaps facing the prospect of working for or with people with whom they fundamentally disagree. The Bible can offer guidance and wisdom, and one good role model is Daniel, selected along with other bright, promising Jewish young men to enter Nebuchadnezzar’s service when the Babylonian captivity began.
Obviously, there wasn’t much they could do to avoid capture by an invading army. It’s possible they were subjected to castration or other physical markings. They wore Babylonian clothing and were given Babylonian names. When it came to God’s command to worship no other gods, though, Daniel and his friends drew the line.
In Daniel chapter 1, we read the young Israelites were given Babylonian food. From Daniel’s concern, we can assume the meat was offered to idols or otherwise defiled according to God’s law. Daniel went to the chief official, with whom he had “favor.” How did he get that favor? God was clearly involved, but we can also see Daniel was respectful and cooperative even in a tough situation. Aware of the official’s hesitation, Daniel proposed a test, trusting God for the outcome.
In chapter 3, three other young men were faced with the command to bow to a statue. (Scholars speculate Daniel was away on official duties that day.) While clearly expressing their intention not to comply, they still respectfully referred to “Oh, King,” regarding Nebuchadnezzar’s power and position. Again, they trusted God, regardless of the outcome.
Later, under King Darius, Daniel had carried out official duties faithfully for many years, likely using his Babylonian name at least while at work. He served so well that jealous co-workers created a set-up, and again, God came through in the lion’s den.
What about those for whom God didn’t seem to come through? The New Testament writer of Hebrews lists many in the “hall of faith,” reminding us of their example when we, too, face trials. Like them, we can count on our reward, whether now or in eternity. Peter and other apostles drew the line when told to keep quiet about Jesus. Paul used his Roman citizenship to advantage while still speaking respectfully to officials, yet when it came down to obeying God’s command to preach the Gospel, he didn’t cave in. Courageous Christians around the world have continued to follow those biblical examples.
Whether directly impacted by this election outcome or not, we will all face opportunities to interact respectfully, as Daniel did, in our jobs and communities while drawing our “line in the sand” when it comes to morality, sanctity of life, and other issues where Scripture gives us God’s clear commands.
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