Articles
No Choice?
No Choice?
Greg King
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. (Daniel 6:10)
It may have appeared that Daniel had no choice but to refrain from praying that day. A law had been signed that whoever petitioned any god or man besides the king would be thrown into a den of lions. Surely Daniel’s abstinence from prayer that day would have been understandable. He had no choice but to obey the king, right?
The law that had been signed was first proposed by Daniel’s enemies. They did not enact that law to keep Daniel from praying to God. They established the law because they knew he would continue to pray anyway. When Daniel knew the law had been signed, he did not alter his habits in any way. Had he been able to obey the king’s command without neglecting his obligations to God, I have no doubt he would have done so. But there was no harmony possible between an ungodly law forbidding prayer and a divine mandate commanding it. Daniel went to his house, opened his windows, knelt on the floor, and he prayed. Daniel did not hesitate to disobey the king’s command because he had given his allegiance to a Higher Power.
Whenever men say that they had no choice but to do wicked things, they affirm that they lack the courage to do what is right no matter the consequence. We always have a choice. No one can compel any of us to do what is evil. The consequences for doing good may sometimes be severe. How many Christians in ancient times lost their lives for refusing to recant their faith in Christ? You may lose your job, or your friends, or someone you love if you stand for the truth and refuse to budge. But you will not lose your Lord, and it is worth giving up everything else to secure a relationship with Him. "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” Joshua 24:15.
We invite you to join us for worship at the Decatur Township church of Christ). We meet at 9:30 am on Sunday mornings for Bible study and 10:30 am & 5pm for worship. We also meet for Bible study on Wednesday evenings at 7pm with classes for all ages. A friendly welcome awaits you.
