Be A Good Example

“Those who keep their heads on straight will teach the crowds right from wrong by their example. They’ll be put to severe testing for a season: some killed, some burned, some exiled, some robbed. When the testing is intense, they’ll get some help, but not much. Many of the helpers will be halfhearted at best. The testing will refine, cleanse, and purify those who keep their heads on straight and stay true, for there is still more to come.” (Daniel 11:33-25 MSG)

Chapter 11 of the Book of Daniel deals with the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes over Jerusalem. Antiochus was known for his persecution of the Jewish people. Many in Judea who passively resisted their oppressors were martyred.  A group of Jews organized an armed opposition to the regime. The result was the Maccabean Revolt. Although the above passage refers to events from the past, some of the lessons are applicable to current events. 

Resistance to oppression is troublesome. It challenges previous belief structures. It disrupts the order of things. Like skeletons in our cultural closet, unpleasant truths that were previously concealed become evident. The resulting chaos adds confusion and shame to the mix. 

What we as individuals do in the midst of a crisis reveals our character. In order to be a good example to others, we must keep our heads on straight even during times of crisis. We have to submit to intense testing and allow our minds to be refined and purified. We have to seek truth even if it is uncomfortable.