Convictions

I'm sure you've always heard the saying, “If you don't stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” In regards to our faith, this statement is paramount. Conviction by definition means, firmly held belief or stance. The portion of this description that moves me the most is the word “stance.” That word "stand" is a verb, an action. Our convictions are not measured by what we say we believe, but rather what you do, or how you live because of those beliefs. Christianity has developed a bad name because people have verbal convictions, but never live them out. Non-believers acknowledge (hear) your convictions by you verbalizing them, but recognize (see) your convictions by experiencing you carry them out.

As believers, how do we nail down our convictions?

Finding issues that we are having struggling with is the first place to start. Why would I START with how I feel about divorce if my relationship with my wife is in the right place? Find things cause you to stumble. It could be foul language, coveting, jealousy, anger. All of these things can distract our focus from God and put them on ourselves. As you find issues, use your resources (internet and Bible) to search for answers based on God’s word. Beware of the internet. Denzel Washington in a recent interview stated, “We do not receive news anymore. It is OPIN-News.” Be sure to consider your sources if you find answers on the internet. Dig into Scripture to find the truth for yourself.

You can also seek wise counsel from other believers. Jesus had disciples, and those men attempted to learn to live like Him.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:1

“Follow me as I follow Christ.”

Find someone who's faith you admire and let them pour into you. If you don't know of anyone, ask God to reveal someone to you. God has a strange way of bringing people into our lives to support our faith when we actively seek Him.

Lastly, pray and ask God to show you the truth when you read His word. It is very easy to listen to other preachers, read people’s books and do other devotions, but find your truths in the scripture. Let God use His word to relate to your life and what you are going through rather than everyone else’s experience.

If we purposefully seek out answers to life’s questions through faith and trust in God, he will reveal truth and conviction in our lives. Troubles and trials will test those convictions, but our reactions to hardship will guide how we view Christ and how others see Christ in us if we claim to represent Him. In trouble, and in triumph choose to let your actions guide your feelings and point others to Christ as you walk with the Lord.