We are alarmed at how quickly our culture has been rejecting Biblical principles. It is something that is seemingly increasing in speed and frequency, but what would you do if we lost it all? What would you do if we lost every right and every ability to call on the name of the Lord or to worship Him in any way? Let’s look at a few young men that lost that, and more, and see what we can learn.
It was a dark day for Judah. The Babylonian Empire had taken control of the city of Jerusalem and was shipping off people to serve as slaves in far off lands. Among them were four young men – Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. These four young men were made eunuchs, had their names changed, were taught a new language and new philosophies of Babylon. Now the stage is set for a culture war.
An issue arose over food. Knowing the dietary laws of the Jews, the Babylonians still commanded them to eat from the king’s table. These four young men, who had to endure all that happened to them, took a stand. “But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank…” (Dan. 1:8). The key part of this passage is “Daniel made up his mind.” In the NKJV it reads, “purposed in his heart.” The idea is the same. They drew a line, even though it was counter to popular culture, and thus began the culture war.
This idea, a purposed heart, characterizes Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah for the rest of the book of Daniel. Many of us remember the battle fought over worshiping the golden idol. Hananiah, Mishal and Azariah said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of 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” (Dan. 3:16-18). That is culture war. That is drawing a very distinct line.
So, what do we take from this? Popular culture and society could one day take it all away from us. I pray for my children and my children’s children that it never happens. However, if it does, are we going to be ready to draw those kinds of lines? Are we making a distinction in our homes now between what is worldly and what is godly? Are we exemplifying Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah type courage in our homes and with our families now? We need to “purpose in our hearts” now, so that when we face the same culture war, we will be ready.