Into the Fiery Furnace

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were faced with a difficult choice--bow down to a pagan king and his idol, or remain faithful to God.  By opting for the former, they would retain their positions' of power in this pagan king's domain, but would renounce their faithfulness to God.  If they opted for the latter, they would remain loyal to God, but would be tossed into a fiery furnace.  What would they do, and what does it mean for us today?