Living in Babylon, Remaining Faithful

The echoes of Babylon resonate across the centuries. We, as Latter-day Saints, find ourselves increasingly surrounded by a culture that is, in many ways, a modern-day Babylon – a place of competing values, shifting morality, and subtle pressures to conform. The book of Daniel, particularly chapters 1 through 7, provides a stark and enduring example of how to remain steadfast in the face of such adversity. It's a lesson not just for those taken captive in ancient times, but for us, standing as witnesses in the latter days.

The episode of the Certain Women podcast, “Daniel 1–7, There Is No Other God That Can Deliver,” with Becky Squire and Tess Frame, offers a beautiful and insightful exploration of these chapters. They rightly observe that it’s not merely about grand acts of defiance, but the accumulation of small, daily choices that solidify our devotion. It’s about the consistent prayer of Daniel, the unwavering faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and the quiet wisdom of the unnamed queen who brought Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar. These are not extraordinary individuals acting in extraordinary circumstances; they are ordinary people making extraordinary choices rooted in unwavering faith.

The fiery furnace scene, so familiar to us, is not presented as a moment where God simply rescues His servants from physical harm. Rather, it highlights His *presence* within the trial. He doesn’t prevent the suffering; He sustains through it. This aligns perfectly with the principles outlined in the Doctrine and Covenants concerning suffering and refinement. As Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught, “Sometimes the very suffering we run from is what we need most.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “When You See Only Darkness,” General Conference, October 2019).

The podcast also touches on the pivotal role of women in supporting the work of God, highlighting the queen’s discernment and influence. This should prompt us, as women (and men recognizing the influence of women), to actively seek out and support those who serve with a steadfast commitment to truth. It's a reminder that strength and faithfulness manifest in countless ways, both public and private.

The challenge, then, is not to escape Babylon, but to *live* in Babylon without becoming Babylon. To maintain a spiritual foundation strong enough to weather the storms of a world increasingly opposed to the principles of the Restoration. This requires diligent scripture study, fervent prayer, and a constant seeking of the Spirit’s guidance.

Consider the words of Isaiah: “And in that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people; And for a strong hold against the oppressor, and a garment of praise to them that mourn in Zion.” (Isaiah 28:5-6). This promise is not a guarantee of ease, but a promise of strength and protection to those who mourn, those who remain faithful even when surrounded by darkness.

Let us examine our own lives, identifying the areas where we might be subtly compromising our values to fit in. Let us commit to strengthening our spiritual foundations, supporting those who stand for truth, and remembering always who we are and to whom we belong.