Daniel 3:16

Brave carelessness.

The three Jews set an example of unhesitating decision and fearless promptness, which may afford a wholesome lesson to us who live in the midst of the quibbling cauistry and timid expediency of a less simple age.

I. TO A HEALTHY CONSCIENCE THE DUTY OF FIDELITY TO GOD IS CLEAR AND UNQUESTIONABLE . The three Jews had no question as to their duty, nor any wish to reconsider their decision. It was clear and final.

1 . Doubt and mystery are more concerned with the problems of merely intellectual interest. As we come to the region of morality, we find clearer light and firmer ground. God has given us a revelation which is plain as regards our duty, though it may be obscure on speculative points ( Psalms 119:105 ).

2 . The most important duties are the most clear. Sophistry may find some excuse for its perplexity among the intricacies of minor morality; but the nearer we approach the fundamental duties, the less room is there for uncertainty. The duty of fidelity to God is the greatest of all duties, and it is the duty about which there can be least question.

3 . When doubt invades the vital centres of morality, this may generally be taken as a sign that the conscience is not in a healthy state. Such doubt is like colour-blindness or inability to discriminate between the most elementary musical sounds. It argues a defective organ, because it is contrary to the general testimony of healthy experience. Therefore, while intellectual doubt may be blameless, moral doubt on questions of fundamental duty is a sign of mural depravity.

II. WHEN DUTY IS CLEAR , ACTION SHOULD BE PROMPT . Knowing their duty, the three Jews had no wish to delay the execution of it.

1 . There is nothing which tends to obscure the simple conviction of duty so much as hesitation in putting it into practice. Such hesitation affords an opportunity for a false casuistry; it allows time for questions to arise which should never be thought of; it reacts on the conscience, and through the feeling of uncertainty in action tempts the mind to uncertainty in thought.

2 . Every moment of delay in executing the decision of conscience weakens the force of that decision. The impulse of conscience is never so strong as when it is first clearly recognized. A neglected duty seems to admit of indefinite postponement, and thus the vigour of conscience is demoralized and dissipated.

3 . When once we know our duty, it is wrong to delay the execution of it, even if we are sure we shall ultimately perform it. Tardy obedience is a sign of indifference. Earnest fidelity implies prompt action.

III. THERE IS NO NEED TO FEAR THE CONSEQUENCES WHEN WE ARE ON THE PATH OF DUTY . The three Jews were uncertain of the issue of their momentous decision. But the danger and mystery of the future did not daunt them. They had good grounds of assurance.

1 . God will deliver his faithful servants from the greatest danger if it is consistent with right and the highest ends of goodness to do so.

2 . Though his faithful servants may suffer for a time, God will assuredly see that in the end they suffer no real harm ( Psalms 34:19 ; Matthew 19:29 ; Romans 8:28 ).

3 . At the worst it is better to do right and suffer than to do wrong and be at ease. Righteousness is better than happiness.

IV. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN IT IS BEST TO DO OUR DUTY WITHOUT ATTEMPTING To EXPLAIN OR DEFEND IT . The three Jews thought it useless or needless to enter upon any defence of their conduct. They confessed their duty without hesitation, but they felt no need to prepare an answer to their enemies' accusation. There are times when a defence of our conduct is useless:

1 . Because it would not be understood ; because our motives of conduct may be unintelligible to those in whose power we are.

2 . Because an adverse decision is clearly decided on , and will not be affected by any contrary reasons. These two considerations, no doubt, prompted our Lord to silence at his trial ( Matthew 27:14 ).

3 . It sometimes injures our cause to defend it. An apology often suggests questions that were not previously thought of. It is often wisest simply to live down calumny by quiet persistence in what we believe to be right, Our first duty is to please God, not men.