Daniel 3

Transformers versus Conformers

I am not suggesting a title for a new movie although it would probably make for an interesting story. When seeing this title, we should be thinking about what can be done for God as opposed to not upsetting the status quo. There will probably be many times in your life that leaving things be would make your life so much easier and less stressful. However, our heavenly Father wants us to be “transformers” and not “conformers.”

After the people of Judah were carried away into Babylon, king Nebuchadnezzar gave order that some of those taken captive should be trained in the way of the Chaldeans (Daniel 1:3-4). Four of Judah were found to be especially well favored; Daniel, Hananiah, Misheal, and Azariah. All was going well for these men until the king made a golden image (3:1) and ordered that all should stop and worship this image when they heard the many instruments playing (3:5). The penalty for not doing so was being “cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace” (3:6). Now of course none of us want to be burned to death but some might actually “conform” to this new law to keep that from happening. Some might, but not Daniel’s three companions. Their faith “transformed” them into pillars of strength. They said that even if God did not deliver them, they “will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image” (3:18). These men were then cast into the furnace and God did deliver them (3:27). Because of this, the king was “transformed” into one who held respect for God.

Later, Daniel also was put to the test also having opportunity to be a conformer. After being promoted during the reign of Darius in Babylon, the other officers became jealous and determined to find a way to get rid of Daniel (6:4-5). Know of Daniel’s faithfulness to God, the other princes induced king Darius to make a law keeping anyone from petitioning a god or man for thirty days (6:7). Daniel could have easily become a conformer by praying to God in secret. But even with the knowledge of the law that was created, Daniel “went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime” (6:10). Apparently conforming to the status quo was not an option for Daniel. This led to him being cast into the lion’s den (6:16). And, like his fellows, Daniel was delivered from death (6:22).

Because of his faith in God, Daniel refused to “conform” to the ways of society. The king and his subjects were “transformed” into those who would “tremble and fear before the God of Daniel” (6:26). Even with a little faith (Luke 17:6), we can become transformers instead of conformers.

In Christ, Steve Preston