June 21, 2011 … Integrity Glorifies God

Passage of the Day: Daniel 3: 28 – 30 … 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore, I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way." … 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

My Journal for Today: At this point in Nebuchadnezzar’s life, believing that different people had different gods for differing situations, seeing the incredible episode involving Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the king likely believed that the three boys definitely followed a mighty god (“God,” with a capital “G,” for sure!), … A GOD who was greater than his gods [see today’s passage]. Here he had just witnessed his three respectful, but Godly and dedicated, young leaders be delivered from a fiery furnace where he had ordered them to die, which was impressive to say the least. But just as impressive was the integrity and courage of these boys to trust their God in the way they had in defiance of the King’s edict which put their lives in jeopardy.

Therefore, in this wondrous story of witness, recorded by Daniel in God’s Book, we see the power of strong spiritual (i.e., Christian) integrity, shining like a beacon in the darkness of the world, fully able to dissuade worldly authority and giving glory to God. When we stand for God in this pagan, post-modern culture, it will not go unnoticed. And, as I’ve written in my devotional journal entries this month, when others see God shining through the testimony and witness of a stalwart Christian life, a life being transformed into Christlikeness, the witness of such faith and growth will shine Christ’s light and glorify God. (again, see Matt. 5: 16)

If I might get personal here, humbly using my story as an example, … how could one, seeing or hearing about my transformation from die-hard agnostic and sex addict into a church Elder and ordained Christian minister of the Gospel, not see the fingerprints of God in my life story? It’s not what I have done but rather what God has done in my life that is a light [Christ’s Light] shining for anyone to see who is willing to see. Hence, I am driven to share my testimony in witness to God’s power as often as I can … with anyone who will listen.

If you are a believer, you have a story too; and as you build a life of Christian integrity, over time that story will grow in power and influence! Share your story with others that they may see the light of Christ shining in the darkness of this world.

My Prayer Today: Shine, Jesus, shine! Amen