Unshakable: Part 1

Unshakable: Thriving in a Shifting Culture

How do you stay grounded when life feels unsteady? How do you not just survive but thrive in a world that often feels hostile? Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore these questions through our new series, Unshakable, drawing wisdom from the life of Daniel.

Daniel is one of the greatest figures in biblical history. Despite living in a foreign and hostile culture, he flourished. He outlasted three emperors, received significant promotions, and became the second most influential man in the entire Babylonian Empire. What made Daniel unshakable? And how can we apply these lessons to our own lives today?

When Society Flips Its Values

Many of the foundational values of a healthy marriage, family, and standard of living have been flipped upside down. The prophet Isaiah warned against this long ago: "You are headed for trouble! You say wrong is right, darkness is light, and bitter is sweet." Isaiah 5:20 (CEV)

Israel ignored the warnings of Isaiah, Zephaniah, and Jeremiah. They continued in idolatry and injustice, and as a result, they were overtaken by Babylon. The population was exiled, with many dying in a foreign land as prisoners of war.

Daniel’s Story: A Test of Faith

When Babylon conquered Jerusalem, King Nebuchadnezzar commanded that the brightest and best young men from Judah be taken into his service. These young men, including Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, were chosen for their strength, intelligence, and physical appearance. However, their selection came with a cost—they were forced into a new culture, given new names that honored foreign gods, and trained in the ways of Babylon.

This was an attempt to strip them of their identity in God and conform them to a pagan society. Yet, despite all of this, Daniel and his friends remained steadfast in their faith.

Testing Before Blessing

One of the first challenges Daniel faced was the food assigned to him by the king. Eating this food would mean compromising his faith.

Rather than giving in, Daniel asked to be tested: "Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water. At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see." Daniel 1:12-13 (NLT)

After ten days, Daniel and his friends looked healthier and stronger than the others. Because of their faithfulness, God blessed them with wisdom and understanding. Later, when they were presented before the king, they were found to be ten times more capable than all the magicians and enchanters in Babylon.

Standing Out in a Blended Culture

If we want to make a difference in the world, we must be willing to be different. Many Christians today blend so much with culture that their faith is indistinguishable from the world around them. But God calls us to stand apart. Being different doesn’t mean being weird. It means living with integrity, standing firm in our values, and refusing to conform to cultural pressures that conflict with our faith.

One powerful example of this is Eric Liddell, an Olympic runner who refused to compete on a Sunday due to his convictions. He was ridiculed for his stance, yet against all odds, he won a different race, the 400m, and credited his victory to honoring God. His story echoes the principle we see in Daniel’s life: Those who honor God, He will honor.

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

We may not live in Babylon, but we do live in a culture that pressures us to conform. The question is: Where are we compromising? What are the “royal foods” in our lives that tempt us to let go of our convictions?

If we want to be unshakable, we must be willing to take a stand—even when it’s unpopular, even when people say we’re on the wrong side of history. The only side that matters is the side of Jesus.

Jesus: The Ultimate Unshakable Example

Daniel’s story foreshadows the ultimate example of courage and faithfulness—Jesus Christ. While Daniel refused to defile himself with Babylon’s delicacies, Jesus remained pure in a corrupt world, even to the point of death. His resurrection was the ultimate demonstration of God’s power and faithfulness.

Just as God placed Daniel in Babylon with a purpose, He has placed us in our culture for a reason. He calls us to make a difference—not by conforming but by standing firm in our faith.

Are you willing to be different to make a difference?