In studying Daniel today and then reading the story of Noah in Genesis, I was struck by the impact of these men who stood firm in the midst of entire generations that had turned their backs on the Lord. Daniel refused to partake of the over-the-top luxuries of Babylon, Noah and his family remained faithful to the Lord while all of their neighbors fell away, and there are a great number of other people like this found throughout the Bible and throughout the rest of history. It wasn't easy for the prophets to proclaim, day in and day out, the truths of the God they served while being beaten and shunned. I'm fairly certain Daniel didn't turn down the riches of Babylon because he really just preferred simple foods, and that Noah didn't just have a distaste for the sins in which his neighbors chose to engage. Nonetheless, these men stood firm on what they believed, and the Lord was glorified in their lives.
Are we more concerned with what our generation is up to or with our own standing before the Lord? I do not believe that we will be judged on a curve. I have very strong doubts about the likelihood of the holy God of Israel saying, "Oh, well, I suppose in comparison with them you did pretty well after all..." Are we ready to stand alone, "blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which we shine like stars in the universe as we hold out the word of life?" (Philippians 2:15-16)
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