As Christians, we must have convictions that define our identity and determine our lifestyle and decisions.
Some may believe that our convictions are a private aspect of our lives, but in reality they are exposed to everyone's view, as we express them with our daily actions. God has given us biblical principles with the purpose of protecting us, guiding us, motivating us and helping us to live according to his will. Since our convictions have such a powerful influence, we must examine them to determine whether or not they contribute to our spiritual growth, or whether they bring us closer to or separate us from God.
When Peter and John were thrown in jail for healing a lame man, they were threatened, so that they would not speak or teach in the name of Jesus. However, they remained firm in their convictions and said: "Judge if it is right before God to obey you before God; because we can not stop saying what we have seen and heard "(Acts 4:19, 20).
The true meaning of conviction:
The word conviction can be defined in three ways, as mentioned here:
A guilty verdict handed down in court. Like when we talk about a conviction for a crime.
A belief that is held firmly. Like the fact that we are sure that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who has risen and who is the only way to heaven.
A feeling of guilt that comes from the Holy Spirit, because He is the one who convinces the world of sin, justice and judgment (Jn 16.8).
Such convictions are those that are related to our faith. They should have a decisive effect on our behavior and make a difference every time we have to demonstrate our beliefs to those who do not think the same way we do.
The difference between convictions and preferences.
When examining our life, we must determine if we live by convictions or preferences.
Preferences are beliefs that vary according to the circumstances and that we can modify to benefit us. Preferences do not provide a solid foundation for our lives, because they depend on what happens to us, or they can be changed if something better is offered to us, which is why they are easily abandoned before temptations.
A conviction is a solid and firm belief, which is based on trust in the Word of God. Which makes us completely convinced of its truth, in such a way that we assume a position regardless of the consequences. Convictions shape, not only our beliefs, but the way we live and also the way we die. They define who we are and provide a solid direction that keeps us on the right path regardless of the circumstances or temptations we face.
Our goal as believers is to become like Peter and John, who stood firm in their faith in Christ and in the responsibility they had to proclaim their salvation, regardless of the threats they received.
We know where we are headed and we walk along a definite path to get there, to look for what goes according to our identity in Christ and to leave aside what is not to your liking. Instead of imitating the majority, or seeking our own pleasure, we follow biblical principles, in seeking the will of God, to abstain from the sins that surround us.
Faith in God to be able to live those convictions.
Courage before challenges: It is easy to maintain firm convictions when we are in the church, surrounded by people who think the same way we do. But if we are surrounded by people who believe that we Christians are intolerant and foolish, we need courage to declare that we are followers of Christ and to proclaim the Word of God.
Perspective in mind: Before we give up our convictions or deny what we really believe, we must examine the long-term effects that we will suffer in doing so.
Unusual strength: From the moment we were saved, the Holy Spirit came to live in us and sealed us as children of God (Eph 4.30). He is our comforter, who enables us to understand the truth and gives us the physical, emotional and spiritual strength to do the right thing in the midst of trials and difficulties (Jn 14.26). We will never be alone to be firm in our convictions, because the Spirit of God is always with us.
Right understanding: The Holy Spirit is the one who gives us the discernment to recognize the lie. The promises of the world of happiness, prosperity and pleasure for those who compromise the biblical convictions are a great deception. So, if we base our convictions on our own ideas, desires and satisfactions, we will head to disaster. It is by living according to the convictions that come from God that we can avoid the consequences of following the values of this world.
Why do we give up our convictions?
What motivates us to do wrong even when we know what is good?
The fear of criticism. We live in a society where many claim to have the right to do what suits them. That is why we are criticized by staying firm in our Christian convictions, or by proclaiming what God teaches about the sinful lifestyle that others lead.
The fear of rejection. If we express what we believe, or if we live according to our Christian convictions, we may not be accepted by those who live according to their own desires. However, we should not sacrifice those convictions to please others, because we can lose the blessings that God has prepared for us.
The fear of losses. Sometimes, we refuse to stand firm in our convictions, because we can lose our friends. However, anyone who tries to turn us away from the ways of the Lord is not truly our friend.
It is time for the children of God to stand firm, regardless of the consequences. Our priority must be to please Christ so that we may be found faithful to him and to his Word.