“But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:18

The above verse is a very convicting one for me. It’s from a story we’ve probably all heard since childhood––Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and the fiery furnace. That was always an intriguing one for kids. But as an adult, I’ve recently been amazed at some of the aspects of this story––this verse being one of them.

As the story goes, King Nebuchadnezzar set up an image to be worshiped (90 feet high, mind you). However, knowing full well the consequences of disobeying the king’s command––a very fiery death––Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to bow down to the statue. First, I’m amazed and challenged by their obedience to another King, and their courage to remain steadfast. Imagine how hard it would be to look around at all the others and see them falling to their knees in worship to this false god. It would be very tempting to justify doing the same.

However, they stay on their feet. And when questioned by the king, they give an astounding response. They boldly state that God is able to save them from his fiery punishment, but that even if He does not save them, they will obey and serve only Him. That is trust. Knowing that God is able to answer our prayers, but also deciding that even if He doesn’t answer in the way we want, we will still serve only Him. They did not back down, even if they didn’t like what the result might be. We need to strive to have the faith of those three, and to stand up for God no matter what the possible earthly outcome. Luke 9:25: “For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?”

By Lisa Grimenstein

This month’s theme is “Pierce my heart for marriage” and our key scripture is Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage is to be held in honor among all…” The Bible is clear on what love is, and how we are to treat our spouses (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a; Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18-19). But, notice the first verse again. It does not say, “Marriage is to be held in honor among married people” or “Marriage is to be held in honor among those who think they want to get married someday,” but, instead, “Marriage is to be held in honor among all” (emphasis mine).

So, what does it mean to honor marriage? Dictionary.com defines honor as “high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank.” Do you have high respect for the married couples you know, and for your future marriage?

Honor married couples

It can be easy to forsake the command of honoring marriage without even realizing it. Married couples are to make their decisions together, jointly, and as a team. If one of our parents says no to something, and we go to the other parent to try to get what we want, we are asking them to become divided as a couple, and we are not honoring that marriage.

If we treat married couples with kindness and gentleness even when we don’t fully understand the decisions they make, then chances are we respect and honor them. If we gossip about them, are rude to one or both of the spouses, judge their decisions, secretly want the husband to notice us, or do anything else that is potentially harmful to their relationship, then we are not honoring their marriage, which is, in turn, sinning against God.

Honor your future marriage

We need to be careful to not only honor the marriages of those around us, but to also honor our future marriage by having godly relationships now, and by keeping ourselves pure for our future husbands (1 Corinthians 7:1-4), praying that they will also remain pure for us.

Apply it

This month, as we’re concentrating on having our hearts pierced for marriage, check the condition of your heart. Are you honoring the marriages of those around you? If not, pray for forgiveness, go to the couple you’ve been dishonoring to ask the forgiveness of both spouses, and strive to do better in the future. Marriage is a gift from God (Genesis 2:22-24), so make sure that you’re honoring all marriages – yours or not.

By Davonne Parks