Henry D. Thoreau said, “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.” Throughout history, some people have chosen to follow the path less traveled. They refused to go along with the status quo, even though they knew it would be costly. That was true for the three Hebrew boys who challenged King Nebuchadnezzar’s law that they should bow before his gold statue; the alternative was to be thrown into a furnace of fire. We read in Daniel chapter 3 that they stood firm for God. The king carried out his threat, yet they emerged from the flames unharmed, without even smelling like smoke. Their story is legendary because they risked their lives to stand firm despite what others were doing. Today, true followers of Christ take their stand with the Apostle Peter who, in Acts chapter 5 declared, “We must obey God rather than men.” Now, God tells us to obey the laws that promote equity and justice. But when culture is out of step with God’s standards of righteousness, Christ followers march to a different drumbeat—we obey God rather than culture.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
