TIP 1: Take a stand
February 1, 1960 marked a monumental moment in the American Civil Rights Movement. While many African-Americans had accepted the onset of segregation, 4 young men (aka the “Greensboro Four”) decided enough was enough. Consequently, they organized a sit-in at the “whites only” Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, NC. They were convinced that segregation was wrong, and they took a stand for justice and equality.
Sometimes, doing right in a “do wrong” world is as simple as standing up for what you believe. That’s what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did in the text cited above. King Nebuchadnezzar had issued a horrible command to the people in Babylon: “When you hear the sound of the (music), bow to the ground to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s gold statue” (Daniel 3:5, New Living Translation). Immediately, and without thinking, nearly everyone obeyed the command. But not Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; they took a stand for GOD and refused to worship a graven image.
If you’re going to survive in a corrupt world, you must be willing to take a stand for what you believe. Your boldness may inspire opposition and ridicule, but keep standing for what’s right. And as you stand, remember GOD is with you; HE promised, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20, New Living Translation).
Take a stand … especially for righteousness!