By Mark Mayberry
Young and old deeply appreciate the book of Daniel. It is filled with great, compelling stories. With the passage of time, I am impressed by different things in the book. As a child, I was awe struck by the burning, fiery furnace, and the den of lions. Yet, now I notice something more movingly grand.
The most impressive thing in Daniel chapter three is not the burning, fiery furnace. Instead, it is the quiet courage of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego as they stood before the king and said, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Dan. 3:16-18).
Similarly, the most impressive thing about Daniel chapter six is not the fearful den of lions. Rather, it is Daniel’s calm and unwavering commitment to do what was right when confronted with the king’s vainglorious decree: “Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously” (Dan. 6:10).
The word “quiet” is variously defined as “(1) making no noise; silent; (2) free of noise; hushed; (3) calm and unmoving; still; (4) free of turmoil and agitation; untroubled; (5) restful; soothing; (6) tranquil; serene.”
The Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament says, “Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it than a house full of feasting with strife” (Prov. 17:1). Again, “The words of the wise heard in quietness are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools” (Eccl. 9:17).
Exhorting the Macedonians, Paul said, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need” (1 Thess. 4:11-12).
Addressing Christian women, Peter said, “Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God” (1 Pet. 3:3-4).
The word “courage” is defined as “the state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution.” Perhaps the most memorable admonition regarding courage was addressed to Joshua: “Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:6-9).
Quietness and courage are both desirable qualities. Yet, their worth is multiplied when combined, producing godly character like that of Joshua, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and also brave Daniel.
When tempted by the devil in the wilderness, Jesus did not rail or rage against the adversary, but calmly and courageously countered every temptation with Scripture. This is the key to spiritual success: Study the word of God. Learn it, love it and live it. You will thus be prepared and empowered to face the challenges of life.
When tempted to rebel against your parents, remember Ephesians 6:1-3, which says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.”
When tempted to run with the wrong crowd, remember 1 Corinthians 15:33, which says, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’”
When tempted to use drugs, alcohol or tobacco, remember 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, which says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”
When tempted to engage in premarital or extra-marital sex, remember Hebrews 13:4, which says, “Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”
When tempted to make wrong choices for entertainment (re: music, movies, media, etc.), remember Proverbs 4:23, which says, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.”
When tempted to blend in with the world, remember Matthew 5:16, which says, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
When tempted to put other things before serving the Lord, remember Matthew 6:33, which says, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
When tempted to quit because the burden is heavy, remember
Galatians 6:9, which says, “Let us not
lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow
weary.”
When tempted to neglect spiritual concerns, remember 2 Timothy 2:15, which says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”