Are you tossed about by every wind and fad that comes along? Is your peace and contentment easily stolen away? If it is, you’re putting your faith in the wrong things.
At the start of Daniel 3, we find an interesting situation. Daniel goes from being in a precarious position in chapter 1 (not wanting to eat the king’s food), to a favored position (promoted because of his interoperation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream) and the end of chapter 1 and through chapter 2.
As we turn to chapter 3, he’s going to be in a bad position once again.
As we read on in the story, we’ll see that this isn’t even the last time this happens. There’s even more highs and lows on this Nebuchadnezzar roller coaster. Daniel survives the fiery furnace, gets praise, then into the lion’s den.
It’s the highest highs to the lowest lows.
What’s happening?
Through Daniel’s experience in exile, God shows us that human kings, kingdoms, idols, and fads are unstable, unpredictable, and unworthy of our trust. Giving ourselves to the idols of this world—even those embraced by the majority—condemns us to their endless rise and fall.
Holiness is a steadfast, undivided heart. Our hearts aren’t steady because we have will power, rather, it’s the holiness and steadfastness of Christ that is lived through us. We participate in Christ’s intimacy with the Father that brings stability into our lives.
Men are fickle. They change based on their passion, needs, and personality types.
God is different. He never changes. He needs nothing, so nothing can control him. Because he is trustworthy, steady and true, faith in him makes you trustworthy and true.
As we’re formed into his image, the same should be true of us. No, in sanctification we do not become immutable like God. We do, however, live steady lives, not being tossed about by the wind.
The life of holiness is marked by strong, steadfast, and regular (and sometimes mundane) obedience to God.
