Have you ever heard the story of four Navy SEALs who faced a decision that changed everything? If you’ve read the book Lone Survivor or seen the movie, you probably know the names of these men: Mike Murphy, Marcus Luttrell, Matt Axelon, and Danny Dietz. These four SEALs found themselves on a remote mountain in Afghanistan in June 2005, tasked with gathering intelligence on a Taliban leader. They were supposed to remain undetected, but then the unthinkable happened—goat herders wandered into their position, potentially blowing their cover. This moment began a tragic chain of events, leading to a firefight that would leave Marcus Luttrell as the sole survivor.
What captivated me about this story wasn’t just their bravery in the face of overwhelming odds, but the principle they stood by: they had committed to living by a higher standard, no matter where they were or what the cost. They could’ve killed the herders or tied them up, but they chose to do what was right, understanding that the consequences were far beyond their control. The mission, the situation, their own safety—it all paled in comparison to the higher standard they had chosen to uphold.
This same higher standard is exactly what Daniel, a young man taken from his home in Jerusalem and exiled to Babylon, had to wrestle with. Babylon was not just a foreign land—it was a hostile place to everything Daniel stood for. Yet, Daniel’s story reminds us that we, too, are called to live by this higher standard, no matter how hostile the culture may seem.
Philippians 2:12-16
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure. 14 Do all things without complaining or arguments; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, 16 holding firmly the word of life, so that on the day of Christ I can take pride because I did not run in vain nor labor in vain.
In Philippians 2, we see how we’re called to be lights in the world. This passage is rich with advice on how to live out that calling: by working out our salvation, holding a humble attitude, shining without grumbling or disputing, and remaining blameless in the midst of a crooked generation. And here’s the thing—being a light in the world isn’t easy. Paul reminds us that we’re living in the midst of a “crooked and twisted generation,” a phrase that is echoed throughout the Scriptures, reminding us that we’re always surrounded by forces that don’t reflect God’s values. Even places that seem to be idyllic, like Disney World, can have their own tragedies and failures. Paradise on Earth isn’t real.
This is the Babylon we live in—a place that might look good on the outside but is deeply impacted by the spirit of Babylon, a force of evil and injustice that has permeated all cultures and kings. So when it feels like the world isn’t going your way, when things don’t go as planned—like an election not going the way you wanted—remember this: being faithful doesn’t always mean being successful. You might vote and feel the sting of disappointment. But remember, like Daniel, you can still live faithfully. Whether the results bring joy or despair, we are called to continue shining as lights.
Daniel 2:1-20
Now in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; and his spirit was troubled and his sleep left him. Then the king gave orders to call in the magicians, the conjurers, the sorcerers and the Chaldeans to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king. The king said to them, “I had a dream and my spirit is anxious to understand the dream.” Then the Chaldeans spoke to the king in Aramaic: “O king, live forever! Tell the dream to your servants, and we will declare the interpretation.” The king replied to the Chaldeans, “The command from me is firm: if you do not make known to me the dream and its interpretation, you will be torn limb from limb and your houses will be made a rubbish heap. But if you declare the dream and its interpretation, you will receive from me gifts and a reward and great honor; therefore declare to me the dream and its interpretation.” They answered a second time and said, “Let the king tell the dream to his servants, and we will declare the interpretation.” The king replied, “I know for certain that you are bargaining for time, inasmuch as you have seen that the command from me is firm, that if you do not make the dream known to me, there is only one decree for you. For you have agreed together to speak lying and corrupt words before me until the situation is changed; therefore tell me the dream, that I may know that you can declare to me its interpretation.” The Chaldeans answered the king and said
, “There is not a man on earth who could declare the matter for the king, inasmuch as no great king or ruler has ever asked anything like this of any magician, conjurer or Chaldean. Moreover, the thing which the king demands is difficult, and there is no one else who could declare it to the king except gods, whose dwelling place is not with mortal flesh.” Because of this the king became indignant and very furious and gave orders to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. So the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they looked for Daniel and his friends to kill them. Then Daniel replied with discretion and discernment to Arioch, the captain of the king’s bodyguard, who had gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon; he said to Arioch, the king’s commander, “For what reason is the decree from the king so urgent?” Then Arioch informed Daniel about the matter. So Daniel went in and requested of the king that he would give him time, in order that he might declare the interpretation to the king. Then Daniel went to his house and informed his friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, about the matter, so that they might request compassion from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven; Daniel said, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, For wisdom and power belong to Him. This same reminder comes to us from Habakkuk, a prophet who also faced uncertain times. In the midst of destruction and impending doom, he declares:
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord GOD is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, And makes me walk on my high places. For the choir director, on my stringed instruments.
Habakkuk’s words are a powerful reminder: even in the worst of times, we can take joy in the salvation of our God, because that salvation is far greater than anything the world can take away. It’s a victory that is eternal, and no matter what happens, victory belongs to those who are His.
As the election approaches this week, I encourage you to vote your conscience. Do it with honor and integrity, but remember that the outcome doesn’t define you. On Wednesday, live like you’ve won, because in Christ, you already have. That’s what Daniel did in Babylon. That’s what Habakkuk did in the midst of war and destruction. And that’s what we can do, too, in our own day.
A few days ago, my wife and I celebrated our 20th anniversary with a trip to the Washington and Oregon coast. As we walked along the beach, the sunset casting its golden light over the ocean, I couldn’t help but notice a lighthouse standing on a rock outcropping. It was a beautiful sight, the light beaming out into the foggy dusk. It reminded me of something important: once, ships lost their way and crashed on the rocks, but the lighthouse stood firm, guiding them safely home. Whether the election results bring peace or unrest, you be the lighthouse. Stand firm in your faith, shining the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs it. No matter the storm around you, you can be that steady beacon guiding others to safety.
Your call this week: Live as a light, whether it’s a Tuesday or Wednesday, whether the vote goes your way or not. The world needs the hope of Christ, and you’re called to bring it.