Nebuchadnezzar had quite an impressive statue built in Babylon.  It was about ninety feet tall and nine feet wide.  The Bible says this statue was made of gold.  Whether solid or layered, this was quite an expensive venture, and it was no doubt that Nebuchadnezzar was very proud of his accomplishment, for Daniel 3:2 says that he invited all of the important and influential people to the statue's dedication.  At this point, it was declared that whenever certain music was heard that it was necessary to fall down and worship the image.  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Jews who served Nebuchadnezzar as advisors) each refused to worship the image, and some of the Chaldeans took on the later 'Phariseean' practice of watching their enemies so to antagonize and accuse them at every possible opportunity.  Ultimately, the Chaldeans reported to Nebuchadnezzar, and he called his Jewish advisors in to question them.  As opposed to lying or being fearful, they answered the king straightly saying "We are not careful to answer you in this matter."  In other words, they did not hesitate to tell him that they did not worship the image, and furthermore, they said that if he did put them in the furnace for punishment that their God was able to deliver them; but even if He did not deliver them, they would still not serve the gods of Babylon! These devout, fearless, faithful men were not willing to compromise.  They were willing to take whatever punishment came upon them to uphold their integrity before, and faith in, the true and living God.  Many times in this modern world people ‘sell out’ before the furnace even gets hot.  They will turn their backs on God before and after the rooster crows.  Lest one thinks that this is just "Old Testament religion", let it be remembered what the apostles said in Acts 5:29 “We must obey God rather than men!”  There is a place, metaphorically speaking, that is hotter than a fiery furnace.  Revelation 2:10 is the New Testament’s declaration that faithfulness is necessary even unto the point of death if one wishes to gain eternal life in Heaven.  People can compromise here and now, and lose the eternal, or be faithful in this life and have treasure in Heaven.  Which will it be?