The chameleon is a fascinating creature! Depending on its mood and environmental conditions, it can change its color and skin patterns to blend in with its surroundings. Although human beings do not have that fantastic ability, there are people you may know that will do just about anything to “fit in.” Everyone has an innate desire to want to belong, but there are times when a person will change the way they dress or act so they will not be singled out and ridiculed.
Are you a “spiritual chameleon?” Do you you change the way you act, dress, or live depending on the hot topic of the day or the societal pressures put on you?
The book of Daniel provides an account of how Daniel handled a very harsh societal shift in his day. He was dedicated and committed to living a life for God Almighty but that did not in any way lessen the harsh realities of living in a world where he was in the minority. In chapter 6, we find that when he was serving under the leadership of King Darius, the king’s officials had become jealous of him and set a trap for him to be caught, humiliated and ultimately put to death. Yep, you’ve heard it before: Daniel in the lion’s den. But the sentence to the den itself and the result are not our focus here. Let us focus on what happened BEFORE all that.
The king’s officials tricked him into signing a document they knew would result in Daniel’s death and it could not be revoked, even by the king. It stated that no one in the kingdom was allowed to call on or petition anyone or any god but the king for a period of thirty days. If they did, it would immediately result in their becoming lion kibble!
What would you do? Come on, it was only for thirty days so at least it wasn’t permanent. And besides, you wouldn’t have to let anyone KNOW you were praying. Instead of praying out loud like normal, just keep it to yourself for the time being. That’s the safe and “accepted” way. Who wants to make waves?
Let’s go to the source to see Daniel’s response to this dilemma. Daniel 6:10 (ESV) states, “When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.”
Don’t let that last phrase slip by you unnoticed! “As he had done previously.” Daniel not only did not change his faithfulness to God because of this godless decree, but he did not change his ways to try to fit in or “make a statement.” He continued to worship and honor God as he had always done. Worldly threats and consequences had no effect on him.
I pray that in these days we, too, can honor God and not change just to fit in.
