Dictionaries usually define conviction as a fixed or strong belief, but it really is much more than the obviously stated. Conviction includes your values, your commitments and your motivations.
Someone once said that belief is something you will argue about, but conviction is something you will die for. Our convictions determine how we behave or take a stand on issues based on what is presented before us. For those of us who are faced with serious decisions, I say, “Listen to conviction!”
It is a silent whisper that will steer you in the right direction or raise a flag in your psyche to let you know that something is amiss and is important for spiritual growth and maturity.
But, in the world and within the body of Christ, we have become tone deaf. People often display strong convictions about minor issues, such as outward appearances, denominations and traditions. We display weak convictions towards issues detrimental to our walk with Christ, such as forgiveness, sanctification and living according to God’s word, which also affects where we spend eternity.
Let no one mislead you, there is a place we all must go for eternity. Death is a beginning! When you die the physical death, your body goes back to the dust, your spirit goes back to God and your soul has an eternal place it will reside.
I’m reminded of the story of Adam and Eve in the book of Genesis. They were in the place of perfect peace with the Creator until they decided to override their convictions and eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. When the woman was approached by the serpent, she decided to override her convictions; when she presented the fruit to Adam, he decided to override his conviction. Both went against God’s instructions and they suffered dire consequences.
When you were a child, your parents gave you instructions on what you could and could not do and they meant it. If you made a decision to go against those instructions, there were consequences you paid for going against their instructions, yet you knew your parents still loved you.
It is the same with God, there are instructions that were handed down from the beginning of time of what we can and cannot do and He means it. If we make decisions that go against his instructions, there are consequences we must pay. But why don’t we have the same certainty of his love for us as we did with our parents?
When confronted with issues, don’t look at the masses or go along with the flow because everybody else is jumping onboard. If conviction is speaking, listen!
