Exiled: Faithful Living in Faithless Times

Even in the midst of this faithless world, we can do what God defines as right and avoid what he identifies as wrong even in today’s world. We can lead people to righteousness, and it we will do that, we can change the world, one person at a time.

No, it was not exactly what Daniel expected. And yes, it did come in fits and starts. Yet, because Daniel – and let’s not forget his friends – resolved to live faithful lives in the midst of this faithless world, the world ultimately changed.

When it comes to living faithfully in this faithless world, it is imperative that we recognize where our responsibility ends and God’s begins. When this world forgets the lessons that it should have learned, it is our job to confront and then to allow God to judge.

When we build rapport so that we can admonish, and allow God to do the humbling, we can expect to make a difference in someone somewhere. Perhaps even many someones.

When we persevere, God shows up, and when God shows up, people notice. It is called witness, and what we discover in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is that perseverance leads to witness.

By his words and actions, Daniel established rapport with the king. Instead of cowering in fear or ranting like a lunatic, he engaged honestly and constructively, and Nebby learned that he could trust Daniel. Put another way, everything Daniel said and did built credibility, and that credibility compelled Nebby to listen and act upon Daniel’s advice. Moreover, when Daniel was quick to give glory to God as the source of his excellent insight and advice, that piqued Nebby’s interest in God!

We must not allow this faithless world to draw us into ungodly behaviors. At the same time, we must not simply dig in our heels and resist everything and anything that comes our way. No, we must commit ourselves to living truly godly lives amidst all of the ungodliness that is present in this world. Because only then will we be able to make an impact in this world.