Be preserved blameless

How often we seem to be challenged with the need to be 'preserved blameless'. At times we might be feeling like we have been unjustly accused of something which we did not do. Or it might seem like we are being persecuted for something we are choosing not to do.

In this week's Bible Lesson on Spirit we revisit the story of the three Hebrew boys tossed into a fiery furnace because they refused to bow down to Nebuchanezzar's golden idol and worship other gods. That king felt he had the right to make such a demand. But he was not the ulimate authority and those boys knew where their love and alliegence lay. It is that very devotion to God, good, that lead to resentment and animosity from some of those around them. Those people actively worked against them to bring them into disfavor with the king. They were accused and condemned and punished.

Have you ever felt like you were having a 'fiery furnace' experience with a family member, or a co-worker, or even a fellow church member? It might be a physical challenge condemning you for your choice to rely on God for healing. Those boys were not swayed by the accusations or the threat against them. They responded fearlessly, knowing God would protect them. They refused to 'bow down' to other gods. And they were 'preserved blameless'.

I think that is what we all want, to be 'preserved blameless', for any accusations or malice directed toward us to be proved harmless. Not a hair on their head was singed, so the flames did not affect their body.They felt no pain. Their clothing was not burned, so the fabric around them was not destroyed. When they came through that trial not even the smell of smoke could cling to them. No scars. Untouched at all.

The only thing that burned away were the ropes that had been used to bind them. Those represent the lies told and the murderous intent. How could anyone continue to persecute them in the face of that amazing protection? As Christian Scientists we understand that evil is never a person, place or thing. It is unreal because it has not been created by God, who is Love. It has no foundation, no power to enforce its threats. It cannot cause pain.

Let's go through our day today with that same confidence that God is with us and we are always 'preserved blameless' from the fiery darts and arrows evil sends. Let them bounce off harmlessly, not ignored but destroyed because they do not have any truth to them. Our indestructible identity as the child of God is always perfectly intact. Preserved blameless. See it for yourself and for everyone around you.