How Bold Shall We Be?

Introduction: This question is a retrospective look into our Christian resolve and commitment. This question ask us to look into the nature of our relationship with God, as we call upon our faith.

This question also suggest to me several additional questions:

Just where do I stand when confronted by the Nebuchadnezzar’s of the world?

How should I react to the actions of the Chaldeans that I meet along life’s way?

Finally, what will I do when confronted by the burning fiery furnace?

HOW BOLD SHALL WE BE?

Let me introduce you to Nebuchadnezzar. He was the greatest of the Babylonian kings he ruled during the golden age of Babylon. His armies marched across the then known world unstoppable they seemed to be. His accomplishments were so numerous that he was beside himself with power and pride.

Are you aware of the saying that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely!

It is to this estate that we find Nebuchadnezzar; scripture has it that he made an image of gold and set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. Then he made a decree that at the sound of all kinds of music the people were to bow down and worship the golden image he had set up! Those who did not bow down and worship would be cast into a burning fiery furnace.

Therefore, in conjunction with what I have read, the next question that crosses my mind is who are the Nebuchadnezzar’s of this world? What kinds of demands do they make on your life? The first one that comes to mind are the Nebuchadnezzar’s of silver and gold, those bosses we answer to in the work place!

Sometimes they force us to do those things we do not want to do. We do them to keep our job. You know like working on Sunday, they ask us to do this by saying it is so very important, it just cannot wait until Monday. I want you to know God understands if your profession is healthcare, people get sick and require care around the clock seven days a week.

Most of us have jobs that do not have to be done while it is your time to serve the Lord.

The problem comes when they ask you to do it once and you do not make a fuss, you do not take a stance or refuse to bow down to the Nebuchadnezzar why because he has just discovered that you really worship an idol god the one known as silver and gold.

Satan understands that you would rather make double time than worship the creator.

Satan knows all you really needed was an excuse that you could believe in order to miss worship services of your Lord and King, that’s right blame it on I had to work, I must feed my family.

I would guess the second most important aspect of my life outside of me is my family life! They can influence you to change who you really are if you let them.

Sometimes our drive to do for them, our love for them often confuses us into thinking we can compromise our commitment to Christ and the Church for their general good.

What I am talking about which of you has ever had a spouse that for no reason today decided he or she did not want to attend service so today you also stayed home? Or told you the tithe you pay in church is more than the personal budget of the family would allow therefore you couldn’t pay your ten percent anymore?

Satan, Church has you bowed down before the idol god of family. Do not misunderstand what I am saying; let me be clear here I am not telling you to leave your husband or wife, nor am I telling you not to provide for the welfare of your family; we would be a miss if you did not protect your family and care after your family for Christ wants us to do these things and commands us to love our families.

What I am saying is when you begin to compromise your position and commitment to Christ because your husband does not want you to go today so you do not go, you don’t make a fuss or take a stand; I want you to know it get easier and easier to stay at home!

You can become a visitor in your own Church, you know the ones the preacher walks up to and says I am so glad you are here today, what is your name?

Remember, if you do not resist, if you do not take a stance, if you roll over and give in Satan has won, for if you have for gotten it is only what you do for Christ that will last.