Roots

I was studying the book of Daniel yesterday. Chapter one to be exact. As I read about the royal official giving Daniel and his counterparts new names, I could not help but think of the old mini-series, "Roots". I kept picturing LeVar Burton tied up and some one beating him yelling "What's your name?" LeVar's character returned saying "My name is Kunta Kinte". It was at this point that he would be given the unfortunate end of a whip. Then the entire process would repeat. The slave owner was tyring to get him to change his name to Toby.

Now this example is an extreme, but the point is that he stayed true as did Daniel. Granted, Daniel was not beaten, he was however captured and an attempt was made to assimilate him into his new surroundings. Daniel asked for and was granted permission to stay true. He was even given the opportunity to prove his beliefs several times. God took Daniel's faithfulness and glorified Himself. In the process Daniel received great rewards.

How many times have we tried to fit in to our surroundings only to deny God and the opportunities that He has set before us? It's human nature to want to fit in with the crowd, to be accepted. Most of the time we are to afraid to stand up and say anything. The fear of being laughed at or scoffed is greater than the fear of God.

I must admit that I am guilty of this very offense. Many times I have been around 'the guys' and the conversation turns to something vile or sinful. Wanting to fit in I would just join right in. Most of the time these guys knew that I went to church. What kind of witness was that? I was denying my roots and my beliefs.

Lately, I have become more sensitive to these situations. I no longer participate in them. I now let it be known not that I 'go to church', but that I am a Christian. If they don't like that too bad. If they want to know more about my beliefs, I'll be over here away from that and I'll be glad to talk to you. My name is Jeff and I believe in Christ Jesus.