MONDAY

Scripture: Daniel 3:13–18

What does living courageously look like? Is it more about living recklessly without regard to the consequences, or about living with integrity even when it is costly to do so? Last Sabbath, we noticed Peter courageously standing before the Sanhedrin. For the rest of this week, we’ll be noticing some other profiles in courage as we reflect together on what it means to live courageously and with integrity. Few examples are as well-known as the experience of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, which is related in today’s Scripture reading. As you reflect on their experience as foreign captives in an unfamiliar land, consider the following:

- What must they have struggled with in trying to figure out how much they could adapt to the culture they were in without compromising their values? What must it have been like for them to remain standing?

- What do you notice about their attitude toward the king when confronted with their unwillingness to compromise what they believed? What can we learn from their demeanor?

- Would you describe the position they took as defiant or well-defined? How would you describe the difference between the two?

- What are some of the ways that you find yourself facing similar issues (albeit on a smaller scale or with less dire possible consequences)?

- What speaks to you the most powerfully in this passage? Take a few moments to talk with God in prayer about your thoughts.

(See also Daniel 6:7–23 for another similar example.)