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The Way Upstream

Lessons in Courage from Daniel

In some ways, it was a blessing that Christianity enjoyed prominent cultural clout in the United States for most of the 20th century. But it had at least two major consequences: Christians forgot that the strength of Christianity is not contingent on its embrace by our culture, and it often led to complacency (and even heresy) on the part of comfortable Christianity. As Americans less frequently define themselves as Christians, it’s tempting for the Church to look back with longing for nostalgic, glory days of decades past. But that’s not what God’s people are ever encouraged to do. Instead, we’re encouraged to look for the “path forward” to revival, to see how God brings dead things to life again, and resurrects his people to power and glory. By looking at how Daniel lived as a believer in a pagan nation, we can learn a healthier, holier way forward. It requires us to be courageous and faithful. But rest assured, we’re walking in well-trod footsteps of the people of faith who have come before us!

Patient Courage

Nov 19, 2023


As religion continues to recede in America, a few faithful people are mourning the loss of its community and influence—but many powerful actors are eager to gobble up the market share and move on from religion entirely. With a weak but faithful remnant left, what can moving against the powerful culture currents of our world even accomplish? What can be gained in persisting in faith?\

(Daniel wielded great political influence and law-making power, but the thing which got the attention of a pagan king and an entire nation was his habit of quietly praying to God every single day. Empires rise and fall, and the work of even the most powerful rulers can be quickly undone, but the kingdom of God lasts forever. It only requires Christians who courageously commit themselves and their families to this new “upstream” heavenly dynamic, regardless of the direction of our earthly kingdoms.)

Costly Integrity

Nov 12, 2023


It’s not always clear how the “reward” of faith works. Does God bring earthly blessing and prosperity on those who are faithful? Or does our godly integrity result in suffering and persecution in this life? What are the true costs and rewards of faithful following of Jesus?

(Sometimes we might do everything right, and still pay a cultural cost—the loss of a job, network, or influence—maybe even being thrown into a furnace! As Christ showed, a victorious life of faith might look like failure to the outside world, and yet be the salvation of the world. We can learn to separate the earthly outcome (good or bad) from our faithful efforts. God’s ultimate outcome will always, ultimately, prevail. And with a right perspective on God’s highest good for us, we can bear even the most costly consequences for our faith in the present moment. )

Humble Service

Nov 5, 2023


It seems like everything is a culture war these days! From Starbucks “holiday” cups to liking the “wrong” movie—every issue is loaded and every opinion is a landmine. How can Christians navigate this era when even our basic beliefs no longer feel “safe” to hold in public?

(Daniel had ultimate wisdom and truth from God, but never used his rightness as a club against the outside world. Instead, he humbly used whatever abilities or insight God gave him to sincerely bless the pagan people around him, even those who considered him an enemy! Christ said and did the same thing, blessing those who would curse him, and sincerely working for the good of all people. When we follow that outlook, the culture wars fade away, and our sincere acts of service thread between the landmines of culture.)

Winsome Witness

Oct 29, 2023


In what ways should Christians be different from the culture around them? Often, a Christian life looks the same as any other American life—we work the same jobs, share the same hobbies and interests, and spend our money on the same things. On the other hand, when Christians completely reject our culture, we look intolerant, mean, irrelevant, and unappealing. What is the balance Christians can—and should—strike, when it comes to living “set apart” in this world?

(Daniel modeled the difficult third way—of being engaged with the culture while not being defined by it. In doing so, he became an appealing witness to the truth and blessing of a follower of God. Jesus Christ culminated this same approach—becoming human and caring about our interests, while maintaining his holy connection to the Father as the source of his “different and better” life.)