A Conflict of Conscience

Then these men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.” Daniel 6:5

D.L. MOODY
What a testimony from his bitterest enemies! Would that it could be said of all of us! He had never taken a bribe, he had never been connected with a “ring.” Ah, how his name shines! He had commenced to shine in his early manhood, and he shone right along. Now he is an old man, an old statesman, and yet this is their testimony. Character is worth more than money.
Character is worth more than anything else in the wide world. I would rather, in my old age, have such a character as that which Daniel’s enemies gave him; that would be much better than to have raised over my dead body a monument of gold reaching from Earth to sky.

ERWIN LUTZER
How do you handle a conflict of conscience? Difficult choices either prove or disprove our love for Christ. A young pastor asked me, “What advice do you have for young pastors?” I said, “Guard your character; once your reputation is called into question, your ability to minister will end.”
There comes a time when we draw a line in the sand, refusing to bow down to sin’s temptations for the sake of God and His gospel. Jesus was honored because He loved righteousness and hated iniquity (Hebrews 1:9). He died forsaken by others, but no one could honestly accuse Him of sin.
Often, people will not make up their minds about God until they  have made up their minds about us. If we say we are believers but our character betrays us, they will use us as a reason to reject the gospel. Daniel maintained his character while in a hostile culture. What guardrails do you have in place to maintain an upright character?

PRAYER
Father, I ask in Jesus’ name that, in a confused culture, those of us who are redeemed might actually look and act redeemed.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What lines do you need to draw in the sand?

How can God’s presence with you help you to stand firm?