September 4

Building character

The first thought I had after our reading today was, I would love to meet the parents who raised these godly young men. What did these parents do to instill such incredible character in their son’s lives? The answer to that is found in the parenting guidelines found in Deut. 6 and the book of Proverbs. I am very concerned with the future of this country because we don’t see this type of character being developed anymore.

Some observations of their character:
1. They were placed in high office even though they were exiles, which show us their character was observed by others. 3:12
2. They didn’t whine and act like victims when they faced difficulties. 3:16
3. They trusted in the sovereignty of God. They didn’t name it and claim it. What ever God wants to do is fine with us. 3:17, 18
4. They were fearless even in the face of death.
5. They knew the value of having deep friends who share your same values.
6. They didn’t give any excuses... there could have been 8 great excuses. (LAN)
(1) We will fall down but not actually worship the idol.
(2) We won’t become idol worshipers, but will worship it this one time, and then ask God for forgiveness. (3) The king has absolute power, and we must obey him. God will understand.
(4) The king appointed us—we owe this to him.
(5) This is a foreign land, so God will excuse us for following the customs of the land.
(6) Our ancestors set up idols in God’s temple! This isn’t half as bad!
(7) We’re not hurting anybody.
(8) If we get ourselves killed and some pagans take our high positions, they won’t help our people in exile!

Although all these excuses sound sensible at first, they are dangerous rationalizations. To fall down and worship the image would violate God’s command in Exodus 20:3, “You shall have no other gods before me.” It would also erase their testimony for God forever. Never again could they talk about the power of their God above all other gods. What excuses do you use for not standing up for him?

Today is accountability day.... let me know where you are in your reading. September is a great time to catch up if you have fallen behind.