"Convictions are precious few.
Like rare diamonds in the sand, convictions set great people apart from
everyone else like a full moon or a bright starry night in the mountains." -Joe White
This quote comes from a Bible study that I received in an e-mail earlier this morning. Its interesting because lately it seems like I've had several opportunities to talk to people about "convictions." Its such a big scary religious word. But here's the thing, convictions are important. Conviction means that the Holy Ghost is at work inside of us. It means God is changing you to become holy as he is holy (1 Peter 1:15-19). So if you have convictions, keep them. Don't be ashamed of them, they are your greatest witness.
Here's something important to know: your convictions make up your character. Your character, as Joe White puts it, is who you are when only God is looking. And your character, in turn, provides a reputation for you. If you waver, people aren't going to take you seriously. So the next time you tell your friends you have decided not to drink alcohol because you think it will bring you closer to the Lord... watch out before you pick up that drink at the party. Why would someone want to imitate your relationship with the Lord when even you don't take it seriously?
Convictions also keep us in line. If I used to have a conviction about something, and now I don't, then something has changed in my heart. So I need to examine my heart, is the change a good one or a bad one? If you're giving up something worth keeping, the change might not be so good. If you were really close to the Lord at church camp and decided you were going to stay pure until marriage, then in the heat of the moment decide to give it all up... what can you say about where you are in your relationship with the Lord?
Self-discipline is the greatest contributor to keeping up with your convictions. If you have no self-control it will be hard to keep it up. Maybe you need to get convicted about having more self control...
No comments:
Post a Comment